keen focus

USAGE SUMMARY

"keen focus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's intense concentration on something. For example: "John had a keen focus on improving his performance in the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Another beauty of the Gerring style is the keen focus she gives to her dancers.

The New York Times - Arts

"We have an editorial statement of principle with a keen focus on integrity," Mr. Sargent said.

The New York Times

'Don't Sleep With T.J. Holmes' reports with keen focus to keep Black America engaged and in the know.

The New York Times

The south-east London co-operative academy prides itself on promoting social responsibility, with a keen focus on student leadership.

The Guardian

But Mr. Rodgers said BP's investment was in keeping with the company's keen focus on the gulf.

The New York Times

Dance works best out of doors when it has a keen focus and blends with its surroundings.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes when scientists concentrate on their own narrow fields, their keen focus obscures the larger effect their work might have.

The New York Times

I have over 10 years of corporate experience across the Healthcare and Tech industries, with a keen focus on building strong partnerships and a passion for talent development.

University of California, Berkeley

"Max is someone I've admired throughout my career for his phenomenal sense for great products and keen focus on user experiences," Ms. Mayer said in a statement.

The New York Times

It is not news that Dennis O'Connor is a dancer who moves with exquisite delicacy and fluidity and the keen focus of a soaring predatory bird.

The New York Times - Arts

Every organization needs people with a keen focus on goals that matter, the talent to continually learn how to do even better, and the ability to tune out distractions.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keen focus" to describe a deliberate and sharp attention given to a specific subject, task, or goal. It implies a directed effort to understand or achieve something with clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "keen focus" when a general or casual interest is meant. "Keen focus" implies a deliberate and intense level of concentration, not just a passing interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen focus" functions as a noun phrase, where 'keen' modifies the noun 'focus'. It describes a particular quality or characteristic of the focus being referred to. The examples show it frequently used to specify a high degree of attention or concentration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keen focus" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a sharp and deliberate concentration on something. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "sharp focus" or "intense concentration" exist, "keen focus" offers a slightly more nuanced emphasis on precision and direction. When using the phrase, remember that it implies a directed effort to understand or achieve something with clarity, not just a passing interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp focus

Replaces "keen" with "sharp", suggesting a more defined and precise concentration.

intense concentration

Substitutes the phrase with a more explicit description of mental effort and focus.

close attention

Indicates a careful and detailed observation or consideration.

strong emphasis

Shifts the meaning towards highlighting the importance or significance of something.

primary concern

Focuses on the aspect of importance and prioritization.

main priority

Highlights what is most important and demands the most attention.

concentrated effort

Emphasizes the dedicated work and energy directed towards a specific goal.

heightened awareness

Suggests an increased state of attentiveness and perception.

earnest attention

Implies a sincere and serious focus on something.

determined concentration

Highlights a resolute and unwavering focus despite distractions or difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "keen focus" to describe someone's intense concentration. For example, "The project requires a "keen focus" on details to ensure accuracy".

What are some alternatives to "keen focus"?

Alternatives include "sharp focus", "intense concentration", or "strong emphasis" depending on the specific context.

Is "keen focus" formal or informal?

"Keen focus" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary than the phrase itself. It fits well in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What's the difference between "keen focus" and "strong focus"?

"Keen focus" implies a sharp, almost piercing attention, while "strong focus" suggests a more general emphasis or prioritization. Both are about directing attention, but "keen" adds an element of intensity and precision.