keep it focused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it focused" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to maintain concentration on a specific topic or objective. Example: "During the meeting, please keep it focused on the main agenda items to ensure we cover everything efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Hodge, who is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand, said Paktor Labs is looking to Southeast Asia for its new app development ideas to keep it "focused on playing to Paktor's strength".

TechCrunch

"We will keep it focused".

The New York Times

"Please keep it focused," the post said.

The New York Times

How to milk and massage a team, keep it focused.

The New York Times - Sports

If you call him a 'far out left-winger,' they'll say, 'no, no, he's not.' " Instead, Rove said, "If you keep it focused on the facts and adopt a respectful tone, then they're gonna agree with you".

The New Yorker

And they agreed on new guidelines for Complaint Box that would keep it focused on broader irritations of life, like loud music on the subway, to give one recent example.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It spread its wings wide, but the simplicity of its cheeky motto ("Save the cheerleader, save the world") kept it focused.

The Guardian

"And we kept it focused on K-8 because truthfully, ninth graders are different.

The New York Times - Tech

While observing senatorial courtesy in calling on these colleagues to speak, Sessions, who chaired the bulk of the session, kept it focused on job losses for Americans, both actual and potential.

Science Magazine

The peer educators and the first author acted as moderators, facilitated the discussion and kept it focused on issues related to stigma and discrimination.

BMC Health Services Research

The peer educators and the first author acted as moderators, facilitated the discussion and kept it focused on issues related to drug- and sex-related behaviours.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When leading a meeting, use "keep it focused" to gently guide participants back to the agenda if the discussion veers off-topic.

Common error

While "keep it focused" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or demanding. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "let's stick to the point".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it focused" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to maintain concentration or direction. Ludwig shows it's used to guide discussions, manage projects, and maintain relevance in communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it focused" is a versatile imperative used to ensure concentration and relevance in various contexts. Ludwig's analysis indicates its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in tone, it can sound directive if overused in informal conversations. Alternatives such as "stay on track" or "maintain focus" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's acceptability and provides numerous examples of its practical application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay on track

This alternative emphasizes maintaining progress towards a goal.

maintain focus

This alternative highlights the act of preserving concentration.

remain concentrated

This alternative stresses the state of sustained attention.

stick to the point

This alternative suggests avoiding irrelevant details.

concentrate efforts

This alternative focuses on directing energy towards a specific aim.

focus your attention

This alternative is more directive, emphasizing deliberate focus.

be attentive

This alternative highlights the state of readiness to perceive and respond.

don't get sidetracked

This alternative advises against being diverted from the main subject.

keep your eye on the ball

This alternative is an idiom that suggests staying focused on the primary objective.

narrow your focus

This alternative highlights reducing the scope of attention to a specific area.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it focused" to advise someone to maintain concentration on a specific topic. For instance, "During the meeting, please keep it focused on the main agenda items".

What can I say instead of "keep it focused"?

You can use alternatives like "stay on track", "maintain focus", or "stick to the point" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep it focused"?

It's appropriate in situations where maintaining concentration is crucial, such as in meetings, project management, or academic discussions. It is used to gently guide the conversation, to avoid digressions.

Is "keep it focused" suitable for both formal and informal contexts?

While generally acceptable, "keep it focused" may sound slightly formal in casual settings. In informal conversations, consider alternatives like "let's stick to the point" or "let's not get sidetracked".