focus the attention

USAGE SUMMARY

'focus the attention' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to direct someone's attention to a particular topic of discussion. For example, "Let's focus the attention on the upcoming election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such initiatives can spark optimism and focus the attention of the bureaucracies and the press.

The New York Times

Yet it's the solo exhibitions that more sharply focus the attention, and there are some great sculpture shows coming up.

The Guardian - Arts

Mrs. Clinton, administration officials said, argued that imposing sanctions would focus the attention of the Iranian government.

The New York Times

King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun said he was following events closely, helping to focus the attention of government officials.

The New York Times

Presented in a gallery setting, they focus the attention rather than tempting the eye to rove around.

The New York Times

The beds are assumed to be at incipient fluidization in order to focus the attention on the segregation mechanism caused by the formation of endogenous bubbles of volatiles.

Chemical Engineering Science

For the show at City Center, Alex Katz's spare costumes quietly focus the attention on the 10 dancers' individual bodies and presences.

The New York Times

"That could rob us of local talent and focus the attention of Japanese fans to the major league teams where our local boys will be playing".

The New York Times - Sports

"We hope this will focus the attention of English Heritage to undertake a proper, review of all 20th century public art".

The Guardian - Arts

Their presence might have helped to focus the attention of European Union officials, who feared that defaults in the East would create more losses for the bloc's lenders.

The New York Times

Springing from your seat with a gasp and peering toward the house will focus the attention of others in that direction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "focus the attention" when you want to deliberately direct someone's or something's attention to a specific point or issue. It's useful in contexts where clarity and direction are needed, such as reports, presentations, or discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "focus the attention" when a more active verb would be appropriate. Instead of saying "The report will focus the attention", consider "The report will highlight" or "The report will emphasize", which are more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus the attention" primarily functions as a directive verb phrase. It is used to indicate the act of directing awareness or emphasis towards a specific subject or object. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a common and correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "focus the attention" serves as a directive to guide awareness or emphasis toward a specific subject. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, notably in news, science, and formal communications. While versatile, ensure its use actively directs rather than passively suggests. Consider alternatives like "highlight" or "emphasize" for nuanced expression. By understanding these factors, you can effectively employ "focus the attention" to enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct attention

Direct attention is a more concise and direct alternative, omitting the article 'the'.

draw attention

Draw attention suggests attracting attention, rather than intentionally focusing it.

call attention to

Call attention to implies making something noticeable or prominent.

highlight

Highlight is a more concise term that emphasizes bringing something to the forefront.

emphasize

Emphasize suggests stressing the importance of something.

spotlight

Spotlight implies shining a light on something, making it more visible.

zero in on

Zero in on suggests precisely targeting or concentrating on something.

concentrate on

Concentrate on refers to applying one's thoughts or efforts wholly on something.

give prominence to

Give prominence to means to make something stand out or be more important.

bring into focus

Bring into focus suggests clarifying or making something clearer.

FAQs

How can I use "focus the attention" in a sentence?

You can use "focus the attention" to indicate where you want to direct someone's awareness, such as "Let's focus the attention on the key results of this study" or "The speaker will focus the attention on sustainable practices".

What are some alternatives to "focus the attention"?

Alternatives include "direct attention", "call attention to", or "highlight" depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "focus the attention" and "pay attention"?

"Focus the attention" implies a deliberate act of directing attention, while "pay attention" simply means to be observant or heedful. "Focus the attention" is about where the attention is directed, while "pay attention" is about the act of being attentive.

When is it appropriate to use "focus the attention" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "focus the attention" when you want to emphasize a particular aspect or element for clarity or impact. It is commonly used in academic, professional, or news-related writing to guide the reader's understanding.