move the focus

USAGE SUMMARY

"move the focus" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when talking about adjusting or shifting the main subject or topic of a conversation or piece of writing. Example: In order to keep the audience engaged, it is important to move the focus of your presentation from one point to another smoothly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

What they really want is to move the focus away from where the Prophet is buried".

Independent

Republicans sought to move the focus away from the figures and back to spending.

The Guardian - Business

To refocus, move the focus box with your finger to your chosen subject.

The Guardian

How do we move the focus beyond primary education and factor in employability?

The Guardian

"A different solution is to move the focus of the system away from processing people into homelessness".

The New York Times

The prime minister tried to move the focus to Miliband after Reckless, whose defection from the Conservatives triggered the byelection, inflicted a humiliating blow.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The second button named "move-to-next-line" has the functionality to move the focusing frame to the beginning of the line next to the current one.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The first button named "move-to-end" has the functionality to move the focusing frame to the end of the current active line.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

For our ROI-based approach, we have applied such a spatial operation to move the focused but shifted objects to their true positions.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

'We think that moves the focus away from what an Oscar is really about.

The Guardian

"The war on terrorism has certainly moved the focus away from domestic problems," said Mayor Bill Purcell of Nashville.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to persuade or redirect a conversation, use "move the focus" to transition smoothly from one topic to another without abruptness.

Common error

Avoid using "move the focus" when you intend to delve deeper into a specific aspect of the current topic. This phrase is best suited for shifting to a different subject altogether, not for refining the current one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move the focus" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the act of shifting attention or emphasis from one subject to another. It is commonly used in sentences where someone is actively trying to redirect attention, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move the focus" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates a shift in attention or emphasis. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. Its primary function is to redirect attention, often for strategic purposes. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it maintains a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with your intention to shift the subject entirely, rather than delving deeper into the current one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shift the attention

Emphasis on directing attention elsewhere.

alter the emphasis

Highlights modifying what is stressed or important.

redirect the spotlight

Focuses on changing the point of interest.

reorient the perspective

Highlights changing the viewpoint or emphasis.

pivot the discussion

Emphasizes a change in the direction of conversation.

reframe the narrative

Involves changing the way a story or situation is presented.

change the subject

Indicates a complete alteration of the topic.

divert the gaze

Focuses on steering visual or mental attention away.

adjust the lens

Metaphorically, adjusting the way something is viewed or understood.

turn the tide

Implies reversing or changing the direction of events.

FAQs

How can I use "move the focus" in a sentence?

You can use "move the focus" to indicate a shift in attention from one topic to another. For example, "The politician attempted to "move the focus" away from the scandal by discussing economic growth".

What are some alternatives to "move the focus"?

Alternatives include phrases like "shift the attention", "redirect the spotlight", or "change the subject", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "move the focus" in formal writing?

Yes, "move the focus" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate a change in subject or emphasis.

What's the difference between "move the focus" and "change the subject"?

"Move the focus" often implies a strategic or intentional shift in attention, while "change the subject" can be more abrupt and may not necessarily have a specific purpose beyond altering the conversation.