less focused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less focused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks concentration or clarity, often in the context of thoughts, discussions, or visual elements. Example: "The presentation was less focused than I had hoped, making it difficult for the audience to follow the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The food is less focused.

The New York Times - Food

After that, he is decidedly less focused.

The New York Times

He was less focused on broader educational issues.

The New York Times

Theory has looked fusty and less focused in comparison.

The Guardian - Film

Twitter has, until recently, appeared somewhat less focused.

The Guardian - Tech

It is less focused on the health care system".

The New York Times

"Dan was a little less focused on the team.

The New York Times - Sports

We are marginally less focused, and exponentially more connected.

The New York Times

Without the unifying leadership of Henry I, the rest of the story is less focused.

The New York Times - Books

Young caribou, it transpired, can run slightly faster than wolves but are a bit less focused.

The Guardian

The book made me vow to be less focused on accomplishment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less focused" to describe a person's state, consider adding context to explain why they are less focused, such as fatigue, stress, or external distractions.

Common error

Avoid using "less focused" as a vague descriptor. Instead, specify what the subject is less focused on or what factors are contributing to their diminished focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less focused" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of diminished concentration or attention. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less focused" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of diminished concentration or clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and applicable across various contexts. While versatile, it's important to provide context to clarify what is less focused or why the focus is reduced. Alternatives like "more scattered" or "less concentrated" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Its presence across news, scientific, and business domains underscores its broad applicability, though contextual clarity remains key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more unfocused

A direct synonym, simply negating the state of being focused.

less concentrated

Highlights a decrease in the intensity or density of attention.

less targeted

Focuses on a lack of specific aim or objective in attention.

more scattered

Emphasizes a lack of organization or coherence, rather than a simple reduction in focus.

less sharp

Implies a reduction in clarity or precision of thought or perception.

more distracted

Focuses on the presence of external stimuli diverting attention.

more undirected

Highlights the absence of a clear goal or purpose guiding attention.

more diffuse

Suggests a spreading out of attention, leading to reduced effectiveness.

more general

Indicates a broader, less specific area of focus.

more dispersed

Similar to "more diffuse", emphasizing a scattering of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "less focused" to describe a state of reduced concentration or clarity. For example, "After the long meeting, I felt "less focused" on my tasks."

What are some alternatives to saying "less focused"?

Alternatives to "less focused" include "more scattered", "less concentrated", or "more distracted" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less focused"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "less focused". It's a common and acceptable way to describe a reduction in concentration or clarity.

What's the difference between "less focused" and "unfocused"?

"Less focused" implies a relative decrease in focus compared to a previous state or expectation. "Unfocused" suggests a complete lack of focus. Therefore, "less focused" is relative while "unfocused" is absolute.