provide focus

USAGE SUMMARY

"provide focus" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as, "We need to provide focus on the task at hand in order to complete it efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Two criteria were used to provide focus.

Stanford University

These elements provide focus for young minds and help set goals.

The New York Times

Through it all, Dion's voice and conviction provide focus to the restless urgency of his search.

The New York Times - Arts

This helps provide focus and free time so that she can engage at a higher level.

Harvard Business Review

For cameras, the researchers predict that manufacturers will use fluid elements only to provide focus or zoom effects.

The New York Times - Tech

Issues such as articulation, harmonic design, phrase structure, and hypermeter provide focus.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

News outlets like Syria Deeply provide focused, in-depth reports and analysis on Aleppo and the war.

HuffPost

These novel candidate cancer genes provide focused, testable hypotheses for follow-up functional investigation.

BMC Genomics

This information on causal exposures then could provide foci for prevention efforts.

Genome Medicine

How to best respond when presented with these dilemmas may provide foci for future investigation.

BMC Family Practice

To provide focused information on a T2D association study, this study designed the T2D Genetic Association Database (T2DGADB).

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide focus", ensure the context clearly indicates what is receiving the focus. For example, "The report will provide focus for our upcoming strategy session."

Common error

Avoid using "provide focus" without specifying what or whom the focus is being provided to. A sentence like "We need to provide focus" lacks clarity. Instead, specify: "We need to provide focus to our marketing efforts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide focus" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes the action of directing attention, resources, or efforts towards a specific area or goal. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts to indicate the act of concentrating on something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide focus" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of directing attention or resources towards a specific goal. As indicated by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys common usage across diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Remember that alternatives like "direct attention" and "sharpen the focus" can offer nuanced variations. With its widespread applicability and straightforward meaning, "provide focus" remains a valuable asset in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharpen the focus

Emphasizes making an existing focus clearer or more precise.

direct attention

Focuses on guiding where attention is placed.

offer direction

Suggests guidance and a sense of purpose.

lend perspective

Highlights offering a specific viewpoint or framework.

set priorities

Emphasizes the act of establishing what is most important.

channel efforts

Focuses on directing energy and resources efficiently.

guide attention

Similar to directing attention, but with a softer approach.

funnel resources

Emphasizes the strategic allocation of resources.

establish a focal point

Highlights creating a central element for consideration.

prioritize efforts

Highlights the importance of directing effort based on importance.

FAQs

How can I use "provide focus" in a sentence?

You can use "provide focus" to indicate directing attention or effort towards a specific goal or area. For example, "The new guidelines will "provide focus" for the team's research efforts".

What are some alternatives to saying "provide focus"?

Alternatives include "direct attention", "sharpen the focus", or "offer direction" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "provide focus" or "deliver focus"?

Both "provide focus" and "deliver focus" are grammatically correct, but "provide focus" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. "Deliver focus" might be suitable in contexts emphasizing action or results.

What's the difference between "provide focus" and "maintain focus"?

"Provide focus" implies initially directing attention or effort, while "maintain focus" suggests sustaining existing attention or effort. The choice depends on whether you're starting or continuing a focused effort.