focusing intently on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focusing intently on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who is concentrating deeply on a particular task or subject. Example: "She was focusing intently on her studies to prepare for the upcoming exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Students sat at tables focusing intently on laptops or open books.

The New York Times

By focusing intently on primary care and preventive services, they save tremendous amounts of money.

The New York Times

Does he bark at judges to seduce them into focusing intently on him?

The New York Times - Sports

The mind filters out the overwhelming majority of chemical aromas that surround us, focusing intently on some, ignoring others.

The Guardian - Books

Utilities are gearing up to cooperate with the automakers, a first for the two industries, and governments on the West Coast are focusing intently on the coming issues.

The New York Times

Ms. Lagarde has been focusing intently on her candidacy in recent days, a French government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Several respondents spoke of moving from a paradigm of reductionism, in which scientists focus intently on one gene or one mechanism to solve problems, to a broader paradigm of complex biologic systems.

Environmental Health Perspectives

But most days are focused intently on one.

Los Angeles Times

"We have decided that now is the time for me to focus intently on my top priority, my family," added Mr. Griffin, who was one of 87 House Republicans who voted for the Senate plan to end the shutdown.

The New York Times

Conversations in line focused intently on the choice ahead.

The New York Times

"Yeah," Marcey said, focussing intently on her feet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace it with "concentrating deeply on" when you want to emphasize the depth of the concentration.

Common error

Avoid using redundant intensifiers with "focusing intently on". Phrases like "really focusing intently on" can sound repetitive and weaken the impact. Choose the phrase when you need it, but don't overuse it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focusing intently on" serves as a verb phrase functioning as a modifier, specifically an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes how an action is performed, emphasizing the degree of concentration involved. Ludwig AI validates this by confirming its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "focusing intently on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that emphasizes a high degree of concentration. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. It finds frequent use in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While suitable for a range of writing styles, it is best used when highlighting deliberate and concentrated effort, and should not be weakened by redundant intensifiers. Alternative phrases like "concentrating deeply on" or "paying close attention to" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrating deeply on

Emphasizes the depth of concentration more explicitly.

paying close attention to

Highlights the act of giving attention rather than the intensity of focus.

absorbed in

Suggests a state of being completely engrossed or immersed.

engrossed in

Similar to absorbed, implying a complete mental occupation.

riveted on

Implies a strong, almost magnetic, focus.

laser-focused on

Modern term emphasizing precision and narrow focus.

with rapt attention on

Suggests a high degree of fascination and focus.

giving undivided attention to

Highlights the absence of distraction.

dedicating full attention to

Emphasizes commitment and allocation of resources.

mindful of

Suggests being aware and attentive to something.

FAQs

What does "focusing intently on" mean?

The phrase "focusing intently on" means to concentrate very hard or pay very close attention to something. It implies a high level of dedication and mental effort.

How can I use "focusing intently on" in a sentence?

You can use "focusing intently on" to describe someone who is deeply engrossed in a task. For example: "She was "focusing intently on" her studies to prepare for the exam."

What are some alternatives to "focusing intently on"?

Some alternatives include "concentrating deeply on", "paying close attention to", or "absorbed in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "focusing intently on" and "focusing on"?

"Focusing intently on" emphasizes a higher degree of concentration than simply "focusing on". The addition of "intently" suggests a more deliberate and concentrated effort.