to concentrate on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to concentrate on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of focusing one's attention or efforts on a specific task, subject, or goal. Example: "In order to improve my grades, I need to concentrate on my studies more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We just need to concentrate on tomorrow".

The Guardian - Sport

They struggle to concentrate on their work.

The New York Times

We want to concentrate on the food".

The New York Times - Food

The object is to concentrate on grieving.

The New York Times

You have to concentrate on Don Hutson.

The New York Times - Sports

Find something to concentrate on," Vikram said.

The New Yorker

I had to concentrate on my job.

The New York Times

"Those are the two to concentrate on.

The New Yorker

I want to concentrate on three things.

Yale University

"It's time to concentrate on something new".

The New York Times - Arts

"We're going to concentrate on football now".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to concentrate on", ensure the object of your concentration is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "to concentrate on data analysis" rather than simply "to concentrate on the project".

Common error

A common mistake is to use "to concentrate on" when you actually mean a broader engagement with a topic. For example, don't say "to concentrate on learning" if you intend to explore the subject widely; instead, use "to focus on a specific area of learning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to concentrate on" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically introduces a clause expressing the direction of one's attention or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a common and grammatically sound way to indicate focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to concentrate on" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a specific focus of attention or effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use. It's commonly found in news, media, scientific, and business contexts, maintaining a generally neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in what you are focusing on and be mindful of the context to maintain appropriate formality. Alternatives like "to focus on" or "to prioritize" can offer subtle shifts in meaning to better suit your intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to focus on

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used synonym, implying a clear direction of attention.

to focus upon

This alternative is a slightly more formal variant of "to focus on", adding a subtle emphasis.

to devote attention to

This alternative highlights the allocation of mental resources to a particular subject.

to center on

This alternative suggests making something the central point of attention or activity.

to dedicate oneself to

This alternative emphasizes commitment and sustained effort toward a specific goal.

to zero in on

This alternative implies a precise and targeted focus, often used in problem-solving.

to prioritize

This alternative suggests selecting the most important task for focused effort.

to give priority to

This alternative emphasizes assigning greater importance to something, warranting focused attention.

to address

This alternative implies dealing with a task or problem directly and purposefully.

to hinge on

This alternative implies that success or outcome depends primarily on the focused element.

FAQs

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

You can use "to concentrate on" to indicate a focus of attention or effort. For example, "I need to concentrate on my studies to improve my grades".

What are some alternatives to "to concentrate on"?

Some alternatives include "to focus on", "to devote attention to", or "to prioritize", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "to concentrate on" and "to focus on"?

While similar, "to concentrate on" often implies a more intense and sustained effort, whereas "to focus on" can suggest a more general direction of attention.

When should I use "to concentrate on" versus "to dwell on"?

"To concentrate on" suggests purposeful focus for productivity or understanding. In contrast, "to dwell on" implies prolonged and often unproductive thinking, particularly about negative things.