keep focused

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep focused" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to stay focused on the task they are completing. For example, "Try to stay on task and keep focused on the goal you have set for yourself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Keep focused on the customer".

The New York Times

Let's keep focused on people.

The Guardian

Keep focused on the target".

The New York Times - Sports

If I keep focused, I'm fine.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's important to keep focused".

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, keep focused and be selective.

The Guardian

I'll keep focused and keep training hard".

The Guardian - Sport

It's a good day, but we need to keep focused".

The Guardian - Sport

"I was happy after the two quads to keep focused.

The New York Times - Sports

But because I was working, I had to keep focused".

The Guardian - Sport

I tried to keep focused on not going too fast.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, follow "keep focused" with a specific object or goal to provide clear direction, like "keep focused on the task at hand".

Common error

Do not use "keep focused" in isolation. Always specify what someone should be focusing on to avoid ambiguity and increase effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep focused" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to maintain their attention or concentration. It's a directive used to encourage continued focus, as supported by Ludwig's analysis of various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep focused" serves as a versatile imperative phrase that urges sustained attention and concentration, and Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business communications. To use this phrase effectively, it is important to specify what should be focused on and adapt the phrasing to the context, considering alternatives like ""stay on track"" or ""remain attentive"" to diversify your language. By avoiding vague directives and providing clear objectives, you can enhance the impact and clarity of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay focused

Uses a different verb while conveying essentially the same meaning as "keep focused".

stay on track

Focuses on maintaining progress toward a goal, rather than just maintaining focus.

stay the course

Emphasizes continuing along a chosen path, which requires maintaining focus.

maintain concentration

Highlights the act of preserving focus over a period of time.

remain attentive

Highlights the aspect of paying close attention, which is a component of staying focused.

keep your eye on the ball

An idiomatic expression that means to pay close attention to what is important.

concentrate

Emphasizes the act of directing one's thoughts or attention.

avoid distractions

Emphasizes the preventive action needed to stay focused.

zero in

Conveys the idea of narrowing one's attention to a specific point.

bear down

Suggests applying oneself with energy and determination to maintain focus.

FAQs

How can I use "keep focused" in a sentence?

You can use "keep focused" to encourage someone to maintain their concentration on a specific task or goal. For example, "It's important to "keep focused" during the exam".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "keep focused"?

Some alternatives include "stay on track", "remain attentive", or simply "concentrate" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "stay focused" and "keep focused"?

While both phrases are very similar, "stay focused" implies maintaining an existing state of focus, whereas "keep focused" suggests continuing to maintain that focus over time. They are often interchangeable, but "stay focused" may be more suitable for short-term situations.

Is it correct to say "kept focused" instead of "keep focused"?

Yes, "kept focused" is grammatically correct, but it refers to a past action or state. "Keep focused" is an imperative, instructing someone to maintain focus. The past form, "kept focused", might be used in a sentence like, "He kept focused despite the distractions".