initial focus

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial focus" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the main or primary point of emphasis or attention at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph. Example: The initial focus of the essay was on the causes of climate change, but it later shifted towards discussing potential solutions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Early indications are that the initial focus will be on helping drive the new administration's initiatives.

Huffington Post

His initial focus was saffron.

The New York Times - Food

Her initial focus was not environmental.

The New York Times

Her initial focus was on painting.

The New York Times - Arts

Branson's initial focus, however, has been on ethanol and butanol.

The New Yorker

Her initial focus is on nutrition and exercise.

The New York Times

But the initial focus was on the Olympics.

The New York Times

Their initial focus is on financial crime compliance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The initial focus had been on "primitive" peoples.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The initial focus of disagreement between the two men was over the war in Iraq.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I abstained because this initial focus on Google's ad policies came across as victim-blaming.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initial focus" when you want to emphasize the starting point of an activity or project, rather than its long-term goals.

Common error

Don't use "initial focus" to describe vague or overly broad intentions. Instead, specify concrete actions or goals that represent the actual starting point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial focus" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the starting point or primary area of attention. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "initial focus" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression that effectively highlights the starting point or primary area of attention in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and suitable for diverse writing styles. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, "initial focus" serves to provide clarity and direction, ensuring the audience understands the primary emphasis at the outset. While alternatives like "primary emphasis" and "starting point" exist, sticking to concrete and specific applications of the phrase will enhance clarity and avoid vagueness. Remember that while the phrase is common, specifying what exactly the "initial focus" is will make your writing more precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary emphasis

Replaces "focus" with "emphasis", highlighting the main point of importance at the beginning.

starting point

Emphasizes the beginning stage, similar to where the initial concentration lies.

early emphasis

Uses "early" instead of "initial", while retaining the concept of prioritization.

first priority

Highlights what is most important at the start.

initial priority

A blend of "initial" and "priority", stressing both the beginning and importance.

preliminary objective

Shifts from "focus" to "objective", emphasizing the goal at the beginning.

early concentration

Focuses on where attention is primarily directed in the early stages.

launching pad

Metaphorically represents the starting point from which further actions develop.

incipit

A more formal, less common synonym for "beginning" or "start", often used in literary contexts.

opening gambit

Refers to an initial move or strategy, often in a more strategic or competitive context.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial focus" to indicate the primary area of attention or effort at the beginning of a project, discussion, or process. For example: "The "initial focus" of the project was on data collection."

What are some alternatives to "initial focus"?

Alternatives include "primary emphasis", "starting point", or "early emphasis", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the initial focus was on"?

Yes, this is a grammatically correct and common way to use the phrase "initial focus". It clearly indicates what was prioritized at the beginning.

How does "initial focus" differ from "long-term goal"?

"Initial focus" refers to the immediate priorities or starting actions, while "long-term goal" describes the ultimate objective or desired outcome of a project or endeavor. The "initial focus" might be a stepping stone toward achieving the "long-term goal".