focus upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focus upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing attention or concentration on a specific subject or issue. Example: "In this meeting, we will focus upon the key challenges facing our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whatever we focus upon actually wires our neurons.

Harvard Business Review

Do you have suggestions for what you wish me to next focus upon?

The Guardian

These are the passages that visitors to this exhibition need to focus upon.

The New York Times

"What you focus upon is not what you see," said Riley.

The Guardian

But all of Mr. Powell's concerns seem to focus upon sex -- not violence -- on the airwaves.

The New York Times

But the focus upon narrative gives it, so to speak, a guiding light.

The Guardian - Arts

Why do you think a disproportionate number of video games focus upon the military shooter?

The Guardian - Tech

Most striking is her relentless focus upon society, its dreams and its pathologies.

The New York Times

But through this focus upon our own intense presence we are intentionally disregarding the inevitable.

Independent

Smooth pursuit eye movements (SPEM) are used to maintain focus upon moving targets.

NeuroImage

Focus upon one thing.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "focus upon" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and sustained concentration on a particular subject. It can add a touch of formality to your writing but be careful of sounding archaic.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "focus upon" can sound overly formal in casual settings. In informal writing, consider using "focus on" or "concentrate on" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus upon" functions as a phrasal verb, where "focus" is the verb and "upon" is the preposition. Its primary grammatical function is to indicate the direction of one's attention, effort, or resources. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

27%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "focus upon" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb used to direct attention or effort toward a specific subject. While correct, it's important to recognize that, as Ludwig AI highlights, it can sometimes come across as more formal or even archaic compared to the more common "focus on". Its usage is widespread in news, media, and scientific contexts. If you're aiming for a more casual tone, consider alternatives like "concentrate on" or "center on". Ultimately, your choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate on

This alternative is more direct and commonly used.

center on

This alternative emphasizes the subject as the core element.

emphasize

This alternative highlights the importance of the subject.

highlight

This alternative draws attention to the subject.

pay attention to

This alternative suggests giving importance to the subject.

stress

This alternative indicates placing particular importance on the subject.

dedicate attention to

This alternative implies committing effort to the subject.

turn attention to

This alternative suggests shifting focus towards the subject.

zero in on

This alternative suggests targeting the subject with precision.

major on

This alternative emphasizes the subject as a primary area of study or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "focus upon" to indicate directing attention or effort towards something specific. For example, "The study will "focus upon" the effects of climate change on coastal communities".

Is "focus on" or "focus upon" more common?

"Focus on" is generally more common and widely accepted in contemporary English. "Focus upon" is grammatically correct, but can sound more formal or even slightly archaic.

What's the difference between "focus upon" and "concentrate on"?

While both phrases mean to direct attention to something, "concentrate on" often implies a more intense and sustained effort, while "focus upon" simply directs the attention. You can consider to use "concentrate on" when more mental effort is involved.

What can I say instead of "focus upon"?

You can use alternatives like ""concentrate on"", "center on", or "emphasize" depending on the context.