focus sharply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focus sharply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the need for concentration or clarity on a specific subject or detail. Example: "In order to solve this complex problem, we need to focus sharply on the key variables involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The emergence of first the Smiths and then the Pogues brought the focus sharply back onto lyrical content.

The Guardian - Music

The report, obtained by the Guardian, said the courts would "focus sharply and critically on the reasons put forward for the curtailing of a protest".

The Guardian

A competition based on strength of student demand and pricing of courses will put pressure on mid-ranking institutions to bring down fees or focus sharply on improving quality.

The Guardian

It does not focus sharply enough on the extravagant theme represented by the best of its displays: the concept of time as an elastic dimension that can be stretched by design.

The New York Times - Arts

The hearings had been expected to focus sharply on Mr. Negroponte's work as ambassador to Honduras from 1981 to 1985, when he was a pivotal figure in the Reagan administration efforts to unseat the leftist Sandinista government in adjacent Nicaragua.

The New York Times

Mr. Clegg's opponents have vowed to focus sharply on these policies, one of which is to scrap the $30 billion replacement of Britain's Trident nuclear missile submarines, something Labour and the Conservatives say would strip Britain of a key element of its defense.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

They see the logic of lowering ambitions and focusing sharply on that which can be achieved.

The Economist

Focused sharply on the cat-and-mouse essence of the genre, "The Fugitive," "C.S.I".

The New York Times

His face tensed and his eyes, watery from glaucoma, focused sharply at the memory.

The New York Times

"We have always focused sharply on the macroeconomy," Mr. Kohn said in a speech in Frankfurt yesterday.

The New York Times

Actually, it's worse; the camera briefly focuses, sharply and expertly, and then goes all blurry instantly, and that's what you capture.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "focus sharply", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is focusing on and the reason for the intense focus. This enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "focus sharply" without specifying the object of focus. For example, instead of saying "We need to focus sharply", specify "We need to focus sharply on the budget constraints" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus sharply" functions primarily as a directive verb phrase. It's used to instruct or advise someone to concentrate intently on a specific task or subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "focus sharply" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that advises or directs someone to concentrate intently. As Ludwig AI points out, its purpose is to emphasize the importance of concentration and the need for clarity, especially within news and media, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject of focus is clearly defined to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "concentrate intensely", "zero in", and "pay close attention" offer nuanced ways to express concentrated effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate intensely

Emphasizes the degree of mental effort applied to focusing.

zero in

Implies narrowing attention to a specific target or detail.

hone in

Similar to "zero in", but suggests refining focus over time.

pay close attention

Suggests a deliberate and careful focus on something.

sharpen the focus

Highlights the act of making the focus more precise.

concentrate efforts

Indicates directing energy and resources towards a specific goal.

direct attention

Implies guiding focus towards a particular subject.

intensify efforts

Suggests increasing the strength or degree of focus.

pinpoint precisely

Emphasizes identifying something with great accuracy and detail.

home in

To move toward or focus attention on an objective or target.

FAQs

How can I use "focus sharply" in a sentence?

You can use "focus sharply" to emphasize the need for intense concentration or attention on a particular subject. For instance, "The team needs to focus sharply on the project deadlines to ensure successful completion."

What are some alternatives to "focus sharply"?

Alternatives include "concentrate intensely", "zero in", or "pay close attention". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "focus sharply" or "sharply focus"?

"Focus sharply" is generally preferred, as it follows the standard verb-adverb order in English. While "sharply focus" might be understood, it's less common and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "focus sharply" and "focus more sharply"?

"Focus sharply" indicates a general need for intense concentration. "Focus more sharply" suggests an increase in the intensity of focus compared to a previous state. The choice depends on whether you're introducing a new focus or intensifying an existing one.