shift focus to

USAGE SUMMARY

"shift focus to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to indicate that a change of attention has taken place, such as a change of topic or focus. For example, "As the discussion progressed, the conversation shifted focus to the challenges of developing new products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Second, talks need to shift focus to what is really achievable.

The Guardian

But most conceded that the news was true and tried to shift focus to the organization that he helped build.

The New York Times

For Ubisoft it seems, the concerns were more about game design, and about how Sony would need to shift focus to appeal to a more connected generation.

The Guardian - Tech

King says it is unlikely that the bank rate could go any lower and policymakers will shift focus to creating money instead.

The Guardian - Business

"Over the last four years, a mistake was made to shift focus to treatment, rather than prevention," he said at a press conference in Kampala.

The Guardian

If she does not qualify for London in the marathon, she will shift focus to the Olympic track trials next summer.

The New York Times - Sports

Decriminalising marijuana may not pose much trouble to the likes of Los Zetas, a particularly bloodthirsty drug gang, as they can shift focus to other revenue streams.

Independent

Many insisted that the news was not unexpected, and tried to shift focus to the organization the Qaeda leader helped build.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

From deism, Taylor shifts focus to what he calls the west's current age of authenticity.

The Guardian - Books

"Since then, Facebook gaming has been on the decline as everyone shifts focus to smartphones.

The Guardian - Tech

Again and again he deflects the spotlight, shifting focus to family, friends, and teammates.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shift focus to" when you want to indicate a change in the main subject or point of attention in a discussion, analysis, or plan. Be specific about what the focus is shifting from and to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "shift focus to" without clearly indicating what the original and new foci are. For example, instead of saying "We need to shift focus to address the problem", specify "We need to shift focus from marketing to product development to address the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift focus to" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a change in the direction of attention or emphasis. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shift focus to" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively communicates a change in attention or emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Scientific contexts underscores its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying both the original and new areas of focus. Consider alternatives like "refocus on" or "redirect attention to" to fine-tune your message. Overall, "shift focus to" is a reliable choice for indicating a change in priorities or direction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refocus on

This is a direct synonym suggesting a return to focus.

redirect attention to

This alternative implies a deliberate act of diverting focus.

switch the priority to

This alternative emphasizes a change in importance or urgency.

change the emphasis to

This alternative suggests altering the importance given to something.

reorient towards

This alternative conveys a more strategic and directional shift.

concentrate on

Suggests directing all efforts and attention towards something specific.

turn the spotlight on

This alternative suggests highlighting something that was previously less noticeable.

adjust the lens to

This alternative suggests a change in perspective or viewpoint.

pivot towards

Implies a strategic change in direction, often in business contexts.

alter course to

Suggests changing direction or strategy towards something.

FAQs

How can I use "shift focus to" in a sentence?

You can use "shift focus to" to indicate a change in attention or emphasis, as in "The company decided to "shift focus to" renewable energy sources".

What are some alternatives to "shift focus to"?

Alternatives include "redirect attention to", "change the emphasis to", or "refocus on" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "shift focus to" or "refocus on"?

"Shift focus to" implies a broader change in attention, while "refocus on" suggests returning attention to something previously considered. The best choice depends on whether you are changing direction entirely or returning to a previous priority.

Can "shift focus to" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "shift focus to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it is a common and generally accepted phrase. However, consider using more precise language in highly formal or scientific writing.