sharply focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharply focus" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "sharpen your focus" or simply "focus sharply." Example: "To improve your performance, you need to sharpen your focus during practice sessions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Yet it's the solo exhibitions that more sharply focus the attention, and there are some great sculpture shows coming up.

The Guardian - Arts

"This role will take advantage of the full range of his management talent and experience and will allow all of us to sharply focus on executing our plans for the future," Mr. Pandit said.

The New York Times

For example, Neumark and Wascher (2007) document how studies that more sharply focus on workers most likely to be affected by minimum wage increases reveal clearer evidence of disemployment effects.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Recently research efforts have been made to sharply focus on showing and measuring quality of life outcomes together with more traditional end points of survival and disease-free status [ 1- 4].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

In addition, the diagnosis of cancer may sharply focus the mind of the breast cancer cases on every aspect of their interaction with the health care team, including the research staff, to a higher degree than individuals who are enrolled as controls in the community.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He had a sharply focussed goal.

The New Yorker

Mr. McMillan is said to be sharply focused.

The New York Times

A test position, T, is sharply focused on the film.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, he keeps sharply focused on Lincoln's political background.

The New York Times

Do you want the background artfully fuzzy or sharply focused?

The New York Times

It's trademark Tracey, but even more sharply focused.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using grammatically correct alternatives such as "sharpen your focus" or "focus sharply". While "sharply focus" appears in some publications, it's not considered standard English.

Common error

Avoid placing adverbs like "sharply" directly before the verb "focus" when you intend to modify the manner of focusing. Instead, use "sharply" to modify a participle (e.g., "sharply focused") or use an alternative construction like "focus sharply."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharply focus" functions as a verb phrase that attempts to describe the manner of directing attention. However, according to Ludwig AI, this construction is not grammatically standard, making it an unconventional attempt to modify the verb "focus" with the adverb "sharply".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sharply focus" is found in some publications, Ludwig AI indicates it is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. It attempts to convey the idea of concentrating with precision and intensity. Better alternatives include "sharpen your focus" or "focus sharply". The phrase appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, but due to its grammatical issues, it's advisable to use more conventional phrasing in formal writing. To convey the intended meaning, consider alternatives such as "sharpen focus", "focus intently", or "concentrate precisely".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharpen focus

This alternative uses "sharpen" as a verb, making the phrase grammatically correct and conveying the idea of improving focus.

focus intently

This option replaces "sharply" with "intently" to emphasize the degree of concentration.

concentrate precisely

This emphasizes accuracy and precision in focusing attention.

hone in on

This idiomatic phrase means to direct attention to something specific.

zero in on

Similar to "hone in on", this idiom suggests targeting something with great accuracy.

direct attention precisely

This alternative highlights the act of directing attention in a precise manner.

narrowly focus

This phrase emphasizes the restriction of focus to a limited area or subject.

sharply define

Shifts focus from directing attention to creating a clear definition.

sharply delineate

This option is similar to "sharply define" but suggests a more formal and precise demarcation.

sharpen the emphasis

This alternative conveys the idea of making something more prominent or noticeable.

FAQs

Is "sharply focus" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "sharply focus" is not considered correct in standard written English. The preferred phrasing is "sharpen your focus" or "focus sharply".

What's a better way to say "sharply focus"?

Instead of "sharply focus", consider using alternatives such as "sharpen focus", "focus intently", or "concentrate precisely" depending on the context.

How can I sharpen my focus?

To sharpen your focus, you can try techniques like minimizing distractions, setting clear goals, and practicing mindfulness. The phrase "sharpen your focus" is the correct way to express this concept.

What does it mean to "focus sharply"?

To "focus sharply" means to concentrate intently and with precision. It implies directing your attention with clarity and purpose, excluding distractions.