sharpening focus

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharpening focus" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the process of clarifying or intensifying attention on a specific subject or goal. For example: "The team is sharpening focus on the project's key objectives." Alternative expressions include "refining focus" and "enhancing clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Some people believe that a school uniform can improve learning by reducing distraction, sharpening focus on schoolwork and making the classroom a more serious environment, allowing students to perform better academically.

The Guardian

Manafort was named Trump's campaign chairman in February 2016, but by that summer a sharpening focus on his Russia ties drove him from a daily role, and he resigned in August.

The Guardian

For example, people in the study consistently associated narrowed eyes – which enhance our visual discrimination by blocking light and sharpening focus – with emotions related to discrimination, such as disgust and suspicion.

Cornell University

Ms. Hulme said that she was aware of the danger that the middle-price market could become saturated, and she has responded by selling through premium retailers and by sharpening focus on her ready-to-wear collection, which has increased to 110 pieces for spring 2014 from 30 pieces for spring 2013.

The New York Times

B7 BUSINESS DAY C1-10 Sharpening Focus on Enron Prosecutors have opened a new phase in their investigation of the collapse of Enron, advancing beyond the indictment of Arthur Andersen to focus on executives of Enron, according to people involved in the case.

The New York Times

The news of Fab's sharpening focus on markets in the east comes at the same time that it has reigned in some of its growth in another international market: Europe.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But it also means maintaining precision timing and a sharpened focus for his players.

The New York Times - Sports

This new setup also helps to sharpen focus and minimise distractions.

The Guardian

— Michael de la Merced (@m_delamerced) 16 Oct 12 MS analyst: You want to sharpen focus on op metrics.

The New York Times

Thursday's defeat in Maribor had sharpened focus on McCoist, who has made an inconsistent managerial start.

The Guardian - Sport

Some tell a story of struggle and success as grades improve and courses sharpen focus over the 4 years.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharpening focus" when you want to convey an active process of making something clearer or more defined. It suggests a deliberate effort to improve concentration or understanding.

Common error

While "sharpening focus" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "focusing" or "paying attention" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharpening focus" functions as a verbal noun phrase, indicating an ongoing action of improving concentration. The phrase, as shown by Ludwig, can act as a modifier or be the subject of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharpening focus" is a grammatically correct and semantically valid phrase used to describe the process of clarifying or intensifying attention. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it's commonly employed in news, academic, and formal business contexts, carrying a neutral to professional tone. While there are several alternative phrases like "refining focus" or "intensifying focus", "sharpening focus" suggests an active effort to improve mental clarity or strategic direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is best suited for situations where a deliberate effort to enhance concentration or understanding is emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refining focus

Focus is being made more precise.

honing focus

Implies perfecting or improving focus through practice.

intensifying focus

Emphasis on making the focus stronger and more concentrated.

tightening focus

Suggests narrowing the scope of attention.

improving focus

General term for making focus better.

deepening focus

Implies a more thorough or profound concentration.

concentrating focus

Putting more effort into focusing.

enhancing focus

Making focus more effective.

increasing focus

Adding to the level of focus.

directing attention

Shifting attention towards something specific.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharpening focus" to describe the act of improving concentration or clarity on a particular subject. For example, "The company is "sharpening focus" on its core products".

What are some alternatives to "sharpening focus"?

Some alternatives include "refining focus", "tightening focus", or "intensifying focus". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sharpening focus" or "improving focus"?

"Sharpening focus" implies a more active and deliberate effort to make something clearer and more defined. "Improving focus" is more general. The choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

What does it mean to "sharpen" my focus?

To "sharpen" your focus means to improve your ability to concentrate and pay attention to a specific task or goal, eliminating distractions and increasing clarity.