focus squarely

USAGE SUMMARY

"focus squarely" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to direct one's attention and concentration towards something in a direct and straightforward manner. Example: In order to address the issue at hand, we must focus squarely on finding a solution instead of getting distracted by irrelevant details.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Djokovic kept the focus squarely on tennis after his victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Others, like Energy Star, focus squarely on energy use.

The New York Times

Instead, he kept the focus squarely on women's issues.

The New York Times

ATMOSPHERE Calm and cerebral, with the focus squarely on the food.

The New York Times - Food

(Jorge Noa and Pedro Balmaseda's stark, malleable set keeps the focus squarely on the actors).

The New York Times

"So he steered the firm to focus squarely on leveraged buyouts.

The New Yorker

The latest regulations focus squarely on capital, the financial cushion that banks have to hold to absorb potential losses.

The New York Times

Gone is the zoo format Moyles employed, and gone too is the focus squarely on the presenter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

For remain, Frances O'Grady focused squarely on workplace rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

She dances the mambo in erotic frenzy, the camera focused squarely on her pelvis and legs.

The New York Times

Jerome Loving focused squarely on his subject in Mark Twain: The Adventures of Samuel L. Clemens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "focus squarely", ensure that the object of your focus is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The investigation should focus squarely on the evidence" provides a clear direction for the focus.

Common error

Avoid using "focus squarely" when a gentler, less direct emphasis is intended. Phrases like "consider" or "address" may be more appropriate if a less forceful focus is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus squarely" functions as a verb phrase where "focus" is the main verb and "squarely" is an adverb modifying the verb. It indicates a direct and concentrated application of attention or effort. As Ludwig suggests, it is a correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "focus squarely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in English to convey the act of directing attention or effort in a direct and concentrated manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used. Its usage spans across various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal business communications. While synonyms like "concentrate directly" or "zero in on" exist, "focus squarely" is appreciated for its clear and concise expression of emphasis and direction. When using this phrase, clarity in defining the object of focus is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate directly

Replaces "focus" with "concentrate" and "squarely" with "directly" maintaining the sense of pointed attention.

focus sharply

Substitutes "squarely" with "sharply", emphasizing the precision and clarity of the focus.

concentrate intensely

Uses "concentrate" instead of "focus" and "intensely" instead of "squarely" to heighten the degree of concentration.

place emphasis directly

Replaces the verb "focus" with "place emphasis" maintaining the same core meaning.

zero in on

Employs the phrasal verb "zero in on" to express the act of focusing with precision.

center attention completely

Uses a more descriptive approach by specifying that attention is being completely centered.

fixate entirely on

Implies a more intense and unwavering focus, suggesting an almost obsessive level of attention.

dedicate full attention

Highlights the commitment of resources, in this case, attention, to a single point.

give undivided attention

Suggests that attention is not being split or distracted, but fully given to the subject.

train attention exclusively

Replaces "focus" with "train attention" emphasizing a deliberate direction of attention.

FAQs

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

The expression "focus squarely" means to direct attention or effort in a very direct and concentrated way. For example, "The company needs to "focus squarely" on customer satisfaction to improve its reputation".

What are some alternatives to "focus squarely"?

Alternatives include "concentrate directly", "focus sharply", or "zero in on", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "focus squarely" or "concentrate intensely"?

"Concentrate intensely" might feel slightly more formal due to the use of "intensely", which is a more overtly emphatic adverb. However, both are appropriate in professional contexts.

What's the difference between "focus squarely on" and "focus mainly on"?

"Focus squarely on" implies a singular, direct focus without deviation. "Focus mainly on", on the other hand, suggests a primary focus but allows for attention to be given to other areas as well.