narrow focus on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow focus on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific area of concentration or attention in a particular context. Example: "The research has a narrow focus on the effects of climate change on polar bear populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A narrow focus on one mood is likely not in his best interests.

The New York Times - Arts

Part of the problem, admitted one officer, is that a narrow focus on criminal behaviour sometimes misses the big picture.

The Economist

This narrow focus on bribery is intellectually dishonest.

The New York Times

His series had a "narrow focus on western art".

The Guardian - Arts

Macy's kept a narrow focus on separating the politics from the parade.

The New York Times

A narrow focus on statistical releases can blind us to the bigger picture.

The Guardian - Opinion

A: We've got to get away from a very, very narrow focus on subject knowledge.

The Guardian

Others have simply been marginalized by the nation's narrow focus on getting rich.

The New York Times - Arts

There is no better example of the dangers of a narrow focus on inflation than Japan.

The Economist

The narrow focus on gangs is treating symptoms rather causes and could even prove counterproductive.

The Guardian - Opinion

A narrow focus on the scoreboard misses the enormous life-changing potential inherent in sports.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "narrow focus on" when you want to emphasize that a specific area is being given particular attention, possibly to the detriment of other areas. This can be effective when addressing the limitations or consequences of such focused attention.

Common error

Avoid using "narrow focus on" when a broader, more holistic perspective is actually intended or more appropriate. Ensure the context genuinely warrants highlighting a restricted viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow focus on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a limited or restricted scope of attention or consideration. This can be used to describe the scope of research, policies, or even personal perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrow focus on" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies a limited scope of attention or consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and prevalent in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase serves to analyze or critique a limited viewpoint, often highlighting potential drawbacks. While useful for emphasizing specificity, it's important to be mindful of potential overgeneralizations or missed broader contexts. Consider alternatives like "limited attention to" or "specific emphasis on" to fine-tune your message. The phrase is authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited attention to

This alternative emphasizes the lack of comprehensive consideration given to a subject, similar to a "narrow focus".

specific emphasis on

This alternative highlights a particular point of concentration, implying a potential neglect of other areas, akin to a "narrow focus".

restricted perspective on

This suggests a limited viewpoint, indicating a concentrated view that might exclude broader considerations, much like a "narrow focus".

limited scope of

This refers to a restricted range or extent of examination, sharing the characteristic of constrained attention found in a "narrow focus".

concentrated solely on

This implies an exclusive attention to one thing, suggesting the exclusion of other aspects, similar to a "narrow focus".

overemphasis on

This indicates an excessive level of importance attributed to something, which might overshadow other elements, as with a "narrow focus".

undue attention to

This suggests that something is receiving a disproportionate amount of focus relative to its importance, akin to a "narrow focus".

myopic view of

This alternative suggests short-sightedness, reflecting a limited perspective similar to a "narrow focus".

tunnel vision regarding

This suggests an inability to see beyond a single issue, reflecting a limited and concentrated view, similar to a "narrow focus".

selective inattention to

This refers to the active overlooking of certain aspects, implying a deliberate focus on others, resembling a "narrow focus".

FAQs

How can I use "narrow focus on" in a sentence?

You can use "narrow focus on" to indicate a limited scope of attention, as in, "The study's "narrow focus on" economic factors neglects social impacts."

What are some alternatives to "narrow focus on"?

Alternatives include "limited attention to", "specific emphasis on", or "restricted perspective on", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it always negative to have a "narrow focus on" something?

Not necessarily. A "narrow focus on" can be beneficial when deep expertise is required, but it's important to acknowledge potential blind spots and broader implications.

What's the difference between "narrow focus on" and "emphasis on"?

"Emphasis on" simply highlights the importance of something. A ""narrow focus on"" suggests a potentially limiting concentration, possibly at the expense of other considerations.