they focus on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they focus on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that someone is concentrating on a particular task or goal. For example, "The team has been working hard to complete their project; they focus on getting it done on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

They focus on only one thing.

HuffPost

They focus on their pain.

The New York Times

"They focus on different lines".

The New York Times

Instead they focus on visible sidewalk transactions.

The New York Times

WHAT animals do they focus on?

The New York Times

They focus on an ebony jeweling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

They focused on several elements.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, they focussed on the story.

The New Yorker

They focussed on chimpanzees, our closest relatives.

The New Yorker

At first they focused on overturning Roe.

The Economist

So they focused on communication.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they focus on", ensure that the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group or entity mentioned previously in the text to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they focus on" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure the reader knows exactly who or what "they" refers to, or rephrase the sentence to be more specific. For example, instead of "They focus on improving sales", specify "The marketing team focuses on improving sales".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they focus on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the subject's (they) conscious allocation of attention or effort towards a specific object or goal. Ludwig shows the phrase is used in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they focus on" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote the allocation of attention or effort by a group toward a specific objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly within news, science, and academic domains. When utilizing this phrase, ensure clarity in pronoun reference and consider alternatives like "they concentrate on" or "they prioritize" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they concentrate on

This alternative suggests a similar level of attention and dedication, differing primarily in word choice.

they emphasize

This alternative implies highlighting or giving importance to something, shifting the focus slightly from attention to significance.

they prioritize

This alternative suggests a ranking of importance, implying that some things are given more attention than others.

they dedicate themselves to

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of commitment and effort towards a specific goal.

they are concerned with

This alternative suggests a level of worry or investment in a particular topic or issue.

their attention is directed towards

This alternative is a more formal way of saying "they focus on", emphasizing the direction of their attention.

they are absorbed in

This alternative indicates a state of being deeply engrossed or immersed in something, suggesting a more intense level of focus.

they are preoccupied with

This alternative implies that their minds are largely occupied with a particular subject or concern, potentially to the exclusion of other things.

they are fixed on

This alternative suggests a strong and unwavering focus, implying a sense of determination or obsession.

they are geared towards

This alternative implies that their efforts and resources are aligned towards a specific purpose or outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "they focus on" to indicate the primary area of attention or effort for a group. For example, "The researchers focus on finding a cure for the disease".

What are some alternatives to "they focus on"?

You can use alternatives such as "they concentrate on", "they emphasize", or "they prioritize" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider also using "they emphasize" or "they prioritize".

Is it grammatically correct to say "they focus on"?

Yes, "they focus on" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe the concentration of effort or attention.

What's the difference between "they focus on" and "they are focused on"?

"They focus on" indicates an active choice to concentrate on something, while "they are focused on" describes a state of being concentrated. Both are correct, but the active form might be more direct. You could say "they are focused on", but it implies a more passive state.