have focused

USAGE SUMMARY

"have focused" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when speaking about something that was prioritized or had attention paid to it. For example, "The team have focused their efforts on developing new products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Complaints have focused on four areas.

Independent

Critics have focused on two drawbacks.

The Economist

Most developments since have focused on convenience.

The Economist

Bangladeshi officials instead have focused on oversight.

The New York Times

Others have focused on strategy.

The Guardian

Some residents have focused on those problems.

The New York Times

Publications from People to GQ have focused on Roddick's appeal.

The New York Times - Sports

Recent studies by several research teams have focused on hemagglutinin.

The New York Times - Science

Most studies of fitness displays have focused on males.

The New York Times

Environmental and philanthropic groups have focused on limiting greenhouse gases.

The New York Times - Science

The other two have focused on crime and improving schools.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have focused", clearly specify what the subject is focusing on to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They have focused", say "They have focused on improving customer service".

Common error

Avoid using "have focused" in passive voice constructions that obscure the actor. Instead of "Efforts have been focused", specify who focused the efforts: "Researchers have focused their efforts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have focused" primarily functions as a present perfect verb phrase, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present. As noted by Ludwig AI, it highlights prioritization or directed attention. The examples show its use in describing research areas, business strategies, and personal priorities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

54%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have focused" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase indicating a directed concentration of attention or effort, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, its grammatical function centers on expressing actions initiated in the past with ongoing relevance. When using "have focused", clarity is key: specifying what has been focused on avoids ambiguity. While alternatives like "have concentrated on" or "have prioritized" offer nuanced variations, ensure the phrasing accurately reflects the intended emphasis. Steer clear of passive voice constructions to maintain a strong, direct narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have concentrated on

Emphasizes a deliberate effort to direct attention or resources towards something specific. Changes the verb from "focused" to "concentrated".

have centered on

Suggests that something is the main point or central theme. Changes the verb to "centered".

have targeted

Implies aiming efforts or resources at a particular goal or subject. Changes the verb from "focused" to "targeted".

have emphasized

Indicates highlighting or giving particular importance to something. Changes the verb to "emphasized".

have prioritized

Highlights the act of ranking something as more important and giving it attention first. Changes the verb from "focused" to "prioritized".

have addressed

Suggests dealing with or paying attention to a specific issue or problem. Changes the verb from "focused" to "addressed".

have zoomed in on

Implies a closer, more detailed examination or concentration on something. Changes the verb to "zoomed in on".

have spotlighted

Suggests bringing attention to something, often to highlight its importance. Changes the verb to "spotlighted".

have been geared towards

Implies being designed or organized to achieve a specific purpose or target. Changes the verb phrase to "been geared towards".

have dedicated attention to

Highlights the allocation of time and resources specifically to a particular subject. Changes the verb phrase to "dedicated attention to".

FAQs

How do I use "have focused" in a sentence?

Use "have focused" to indicate where attention, effort, or resources have been directed. For example, "The company "have focused" its marketing efforts on social media campaigns".

What can I say instead of "have focused"?

You can use alternatives like "have concentrated on", "have emphasized", or "have prioritized" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "have focused on" or "have focused in"?

"Have focused on" is the correct and more common usage. "Have focused in" is less frequently used and might be appropriate only in very specific, technical contexts.

What's the difference between "have focused" and "have concentrated"?

While both indicate directing attention, "have concentrated" often implies a more intense and sustained effort compared to ""have focused"".