lapses in concentration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lapses in concentration" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a period of time where someone's attention and focus decreases, resulting in mistakes or errors. Example: The student's lapses in concentration during the exam caused her to make several careless mistakes, resulting in a lower grade than she had hoped for.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Turner paused, then said: "Lapses in concentration.

The New York Times - Sports

I need to not have any lapses in concentration.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a victory for Capriati that did not come without lapses in concentration.

The New York Times - Sports

She plays with high energy and superb work ethic, qualities that prevent her from having many lapses in concentration.

The New York Times

The case for Gomez, whose lapses in concentration once tormented his Twins manager, Ron Gardenhire, begins with his defense.

The New York Times - Sports

The Cowboys have shown this season they are prone to lapses in concentration – what else explains some of their slow starts?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Then Koscielny punished a lapse in concentration.

Independent

England get away with their lapse in concentration.

The Guardian - Sport

"That little lapse in concentration ultimately cost us the match".

The Guardian - Sport

One of those errors might be written off as another careless lapse in concentration.

The Guardian - Sport

Furious with his lapse in concentration, Roddick slammed his racket on the court.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing performance in sports or tasks, use "lapses in concentration" to pinpoint moments where focus was lost, impacting the outcome. This highlights specific instances rather than overall ability.

Common error

Be careful not to use "lapses in concentration" interchangeably with chronic conditions like ADHD. While ADHD can cause concentration issues, "lapses in concentration" refers to temporary, intermittent instances of reduced focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lapses in concentration" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies specific instances where focus diminishes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Sport

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lapses in concentration" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes temporary moments of diminished focus. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correctly used in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, sports, and general discussions. Understanding the causes and prevention of these lapses can be crucial in improving performance and avoiding errors. Alternative phrases such as "attention deficits" or "focus lapses" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid using the phrase interchangeably with chronic conditions like ADHD.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus lapses

Replaces "concentration" with "focus", maintaining similar meaning.

attention slips

Replaces "lapses" with "slips", indicating a minor error in attention.

failures in focus

Uses "failures" to denote the lack of focus.

moments of inattention

Emphasizes the momentary nature of the inattention.

attention deficits

Focuses on the deficit of attention, rather than the inconsistency.

periods of distraction

Highlights distraction as the cause of reduced concentration.

decreased focus

Shifts from a noun phrase to an adjective + noun, denoting reduced focus.

wavering attention

Emphasizes the fluctuating nature of attention.

reduced attentiveness

Focuses on the reduced state of being attentive.

mental wandering

Describes a state where the mind drifts away, affecting concentration.

FAQs

How can I use "lapses in concentration" in a sentence?

You can use "lapses in concentration" to describe temporary moments of diminished focus. For example: "The athlete's "lapses in concentration" cost him the game".

What are some alternatives to "lapses in concentration"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "attention deficits", "focus lapses", or "moments of inattention".

What causes "lapses in concentration"?

"Lapses in concentration" can be caused by various factors, including fatigue, stress, distractions, or lack of interest in the task at hand.

How can I prevent "lapses in concentration"?

Strategies to prevent "lapses in concentration" include getting enough sleep, managing stress, minimizing distractions, and taking regular breaks during tasks.