focussed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'focussed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is "concentrating on a particular aim or purpose". For example, "We have consistently kept our efforts focussed on finding a solution".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: 'What price in human suffering?' How austerity has affected social care Genuine integration of health and social care is needed, so that the services both sectors provide complement each other and are focussed on what individuals need, rather than what suits a particular institution.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 1.57pm ET18:57 Carney says Obama focussed in his speech this morning on the budget, immigration and the farm bill because "those are things that Congress can do... this year".

The Guardian

Much of the secretary of state's attention will be focussed on Syria during his four-day trip to the Middle East, which includes visits to Oman and Jordan.

The Guardian

Its jointly owned Walkie Talkie skyscraper in the City of London has focussed the sun's rays so that they have melted car parts and bicycles, while the government said it would review its plans to develop Royal Dutch Shell's headquarters, despite a green light from local authorities.

The Guardian - Business

The opposition of bureaucrats and frequent changes of government didn't help Griffin; nor did the first world war, which focussed the nation's attention elsewhere.

The Guardian

"There is no more important time for the ABC to create a regional division that is focussed on providing high-quality, timely and relevant content to almost one third of Australians living in rural and regional areas".

The Guardian

I and Anthony and the Labor team are focussed on exposing this unfair Budget and the rotten priorities of this government who lied their way into office.

The Guardian

They'll hopefully also help family members engage with their loved ones and have a focussed talking point, something which can become a lot harder when people have dementia".

The Guardian

To achieve a change in government the party should have focussed on its many policies that would have appealed to wavering Tory and Liberal Democrat voters.

The Guardian

"What that kid did really focussed the world on the evil that these men can do - and what evil all people can do when they feel inclined.

The Guardian

Apple's launch of its first smartwatch last month, expected to sell in the tens of millions, focussed public attention on the devices but the company isn't alone in eyeing up the potentially lucrative market.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "focussed", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is concentrating on to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify 'focussed on achieving results' rather than simply 'focussed'.

Common error

Avoid using "focussed" when the intention is to describe a general state of awareness or interest, as it implies a specific, directed effort. For example, saying 'He seemed focussed' without specifying what he was focussed on leaves the sentence incomplete and unclear.

Linguistic Context

The word "focussed" functions primarily as a past tense or past participle of the verb 'focus', indicating an action of concentrating or directing attention. As Ludwig's examples show, it also functions as an adjective describing something that is characterized by concentration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "focussed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, particularly as a verb and adjective across British English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist. It's vital to ensure that when using "focussed", the object of focus is clear to avoid ambiguity. While "focused" is the more common spelling in American English, "focussed" is a perfectly acceptable alternative, especially in more formal or British English contexts. Remember, the key is to use the term to convey a sense of directed attention or concentration effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused

This is an alternative spelling of the word, using a single 's'.

concentrated

Indicates a high degree of attention or effort directed towards a specific point or task.

centered

Suggests that something is primarily concerned with or based around a particular thing.

geared

Implies that something is designed or organized to achieve a specific purpose.

directed

Suggests a clear path or intention towards a specific goal.

targeted

Implies that efforts are specifically aimed at a particular group or outcome.

channelled

Suggests directing energy or resources into a specific area or direction.

attuned

Implies being receptive or responsive to something specific.

fixated

Suggests an excessive or obsessive focus on something.

predisposed

Implies a tendency or inclination towards something.

FAQs

What is the difference between "focused" and "focussed"?

Both "focused" and "focussed" are past tense and past participle forms of the verb 'focus'. "Focused" is the more common spelling in American English, while "focussed" is more prevalent in British English. They are interchangeable and mean concentrating on a particular point or area.

How can I use "focussed" in a sentence?

You can use "focussed" to describe someone's attention or efforts being directed towards a specific goal or object. For example, 'The team was "focussed" on completing the project on time' or 'Her mind was "focussed" on the task at hand'.

What are some alternatives to saying "focussed on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "concentrated on", "centered on", "geared towards", or "directed at".

Is it correct to say "highly focussed"?

Yes, it is correct to say "highly focussed". It means extremely concentrated or with a very strong level of attention. For example, 'She is a highly "focussed" individual when it comes to her career goals'.