focus on the essentials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focus on the essentials" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to concentrate on the most important aspects of a situation or task. Example: "In this meeting, let's focus on the essentials to ensure we cover the key points efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"We focus on the essentials of numeracy, helping people to use simple maths in complex situations.

Independent

He has proposed less homework and fewer hours in the classroom, and a curriculum that would focus on the essentials of language, math and science.

The New York Times

Many among Europe's great and good have urged a new focus on the "essentials", what is being called the "Europe of necessity".

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Cusack, who has done her share of voice-overs for children's entertainment (for example, she was Jessie the cowgirl's voice in "Toy Story 2") said in a telephone interview from Chicago that an enticing reason to work on "Peep" was its focus on "the essentials".

The New York Times

Insights include ways to focus on the essentials, find alternative experimental designs, collaborate effectively, and adapt instruments across cultures.

Evaluation and Program Planning

You don't rush it, but you focus on the essentials.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Whatever restoration happens should now focus on the essential: the idea of a deck projected towards the horizon, on which many activities may happen.

The Guardian - Arts

The autonomous classification methods focus on the essential differences among the three basic IMOPs.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

So Paysend went back to the drawing board to focus on the essential.

TechCrunch

Detailed robot specifications have enabled the students to focus on the essential work.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

For example, students can be encouraged to show every step and action and to focus on the essential parts, even if invisible.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management, "focus on the essentials" to avoid scope creep and maintain project focus.

Common error

While it's important to "focus on the essentials", don't ignore the underlying details that provide necessary context and support for the main points. Ensure you have a balanced approach by considering both macro and micro perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus on the essentials" serves as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to prioritize the most important aspects of a task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a standard English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "focus on the essentials" is a common and grammatically correct directive that advises concentrating on the most important aspects of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's frequently found in news, science, and wiki contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various settings. To enhance clarity, alternatives like "concentrate on the key points" or "prioritize the fundamentals" can be used. When employing this phrase, avoid overlooking the supporting details that give context to the main points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate on the key points

This alternative emphasizes directing attention to the most important aspects.

emphasize the main aspects

This alternative suggests highlighting the primary elements.

prioritize the fundamentals

This alternative stresses the importance of basic principles.

highlight the core elements

This suggests bringing attention to the central aspects.

zero in on the basics

This alternative means to direct attention to the elementary aspects.

focus on what matters most

This alternative clarifies the importance of concentrating on the most relevant things.

stick to the point

This alternative suggests maintaining relevance and directness.

address the crucial issues

This suggests dealing with the most important problems.

streamline the process

This alternative suggests making a process more effective by removing unnecessary elements.

get down to brass tacks

This means to start talking about the most important and basic facts of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "focus on the essentials" in a sentence?

You can use "focus on the essentials" when advising someone to concentrate on the most important aspects of a task or situation. For example: "During the meeting, let's "focus on the essentials" to ensure we cover the key points efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "focus on the essentials"?

You can use alternatives like "concentrate on the key points", "emphasize the main aspects", or "prioritize the fundamentals depending on the context.

Is it better to "focus on the essentials" or "focus on every detail"?

It depends on the context. "Focus on the essentials" is best when you need to be efficient and address the most important aspects. "Focus on every detail" may be necessary when precision and thoroughness are critical but may not always be practical or efficient.

How does "focus on the essentials" relate to project management?

In project management, ""focus on the essentials"" helps to keep the project aligned with its primary goals and deliverables, preventing scope creep and ensuring resources are allocated effectively. It helps ensure the project stays on track and delivers its core objectives.