to be focused on

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be focused on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when talking about paying attention to a particular goal or task. For example, "He knew he had to be focused on his studies if he wanted to get accepted into a good college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But it needs to be focused on soon," he added.

The New York Times

However, to be effective, it needs to be focused on students' experiences.

The Guardian

It also allows a greater proportion of lesson time to be focused on learning.

The Guardian

Everybody's going to be focused on him.

The New York Times - Sports

"We used to be focused on profits for the quarter.

The New York Times

"That's what we ought to be focused on".

The New York Times

I've tried to be focused on the task in hand.

The Guardian - Film

To be focused on its original purposes (ie poorer communities).

The Guardian

I just need to be focused on my tennis".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's important to be focused on Vancouver and only Vancouver.

The New York Times - Sports

Any training needs to be focused on that role.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be focused on", ensure the subject of focus is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The project needs to be focused on", specify "The project needs to be focused on cost reduction".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice when using "to be focused on". Active voice often makes your writing more direct and engaging. Instead of "Improvements need to be focused on by the team", try "The team needs to focus on improvements".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be focused on" functions as part of an infinitive phrase, typically used as a verbal complement or within a passive construction. It indicates the direction of attention or effort towards a specific subject or goal, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be focused on" is a versatile and commonly used expression that directs attention toward a specific subject or goal. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and applicable in numerous contexts, predominantly in news, business, and general communication. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the subject of focus is explicitly stated to prevent ambiguity. While the passive voice is inherent to the construction of "to be focused on", strive to use active voice where possible to make your writing more direct and compelling. Alternatives such as "to concentrate on" or "to prioritize" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage "to be focused on" to convey the intended emphasis in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to concentrate on

This alternative suggests directing one's mental effort or attention towards a specific subject or task, emphasizing the act of mental focus.

to be centered on

This implies that something is primarily about or revolves around a particular subject, highlighting the core theme or central aspect.

to be directed towards

This suggests channeling efforts or resources towards a specific objective, emphasizing the orientation or purpose of the action.

to be geared towards

This indicates that something is designed or adapted to achieve a particular aim, stressing the intention behind the design or adaptation.

to be intent on

This conveys a firm determination to achieve something, underlining the resolve and purposefulness in pursuing a goal.

to be preoccupied with

This suggests being engrossed or absorbed in a particular thought or activity, emphasizing the state of mental absorption.

to pay attention to

This implies giving careful consideration or notice to something, focusing on the act of observing and acknowledging its importance.

to prioritize

This alternative conveys the act of ranking items or tasks in order of importance.

to give precedence to

This suggests favoring one thing over others, particularly in terms of time, resources, or attention, highlighting the act of prioritizing.

to keep in view

This indicates maintaining something in one's awareness or consideration, emphasizing the act of not losing sight of the objective.

FAQs

How can I use "to be focused on" in a sentence?

You can use "to be focused on" to indicate what something should primarily address or concentrate on. For example, "The discussion needs "to be focused on" practical solutions".

What are some alternatives to "to be focused on"?

Alternatives include "to concentrate on", "to be centered on", or "to prioritize" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "to be focused on"?

While "to be focused on" is a passive construction and grammatically correct, using the active voice can make your sentence more direct and engaging. For example, "The team should focus on…" is often preferable to "The effort should "to be focused on" by the team…".

What's the difference between "to be focused on" and "to focus on"?

"To focus on" is an active verb phrase indicating an action you are taking. "To be focused on" is a passive construction, indicating something receives focus or attention. For example, "The manager needs "to focus on" the budget" (active) versus "The budget needs "to be focused on"" (passive).