to concentrate

USAGE SUMMARY

"to concentrate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a process that requires focus, such as studying or completing a task. For example, "I need to concentrate on my studies if I hope to pass my final exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"To concentrate.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I have to concentrate".

The New York Times - Sports

Hard to concentrate".

The New Yorker

It is hard to concentrate".

The New York Times

I have to concentrate now".

The New Yorker

He tried to concentrate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have to concentrate.

The New Yorker

Try to concentrate anyway".

The New Yorker

He has to concentrate.

The New York Times - Arts

I need to concentrate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I found it very hard to concentrate".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to concentrate" in your writing, clearly specify what you are concentrating on. This adds precision and clarity to your sentence. For example, instead of saying "I need to concentrate," say "I need to concentrate on this report."

Common error

Avoid using "to concentrate" in passive constructions where the subject performing the action is unclear or omitted. Instead of saying "Efforts should be concentrated," specify who should concentrate the efforts for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to concentrate" is as an infinitive verb, often used to express purpose or intention. Ludwig confirms that "to concentrate" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to concentrate" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase that expresses the act of focusing attention or effort. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various contexts. It is frequently found in news, wiki articles, and formal business communication. For clarity, specify what you are concentrating on and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Consider alternatives like "to focus" or "to devote" for variety. The semantic range and versatility of this phrase make it a valuable asset in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to focus one's attention

This alternative emphasizes the direction of one's mental effort, similarly to concentrating.

to center one's thoughts

It highlights the act of bringing thoughts to a central point, akin to concentrating.

to direct one's efforts

This phrase focuses on channeling effort toward a specific goal, much like concentrating.

to dedicate oneself

It suggests a commitment of time and energy, comparable to the focused effort of concentrating.

to devote time to

It means allocating time and attention, similar to the act of concentrating.

to zero in on

This idiom suggests focusing precisely on a specific point, similar to concentrating intensely.

to be absorbed in

It indicates being fully engaged and focused, like concentrating deeply.

to immerse oneself in

This phrase suggests a deep involvement and focus, similar to concentrating.

to rivet attention on

It highlights the act of fixing attention firmly, akin to concentrating.

to boil down

Suggests distilling the essential elements of something, resembling concentrating a substance.

FAQs

How can I use "to concentrate" in a sentence?

You can use "to concentrate" to express focusing your attention or efforts on something. For example, "I need "to concentrate" on my work to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "to concentrate"?

Alternatives include "to focus", "to dedicate", or "to devote", depending on the context. For instance, "I need "to focus" on my studies."

Is it correct to say "concentrate to" instead of "to concentrate"?

No, the correct form is "to concentrate". "Concentrate to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use the infinitive form, which is "to" + the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "to concentrate" and "concentration"?

"To concentrate" is a verb phrase, indicating the action of focusing. "Concentration" is a noun, referring to the state of being focused or the act of concentrating. For example, "I need "to concentrate" (verb) to improve my concentration (noun)."