to focus around

USAGE SUMMARY

"to focus around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is concentrated or directed on a particular topic, issue, or object. For example, "My presentation will focus around the benefits of implementing green initiatives in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the meantime, while education continues to focus around PE teachers promoting abstinence, it means people, particularly those who fall through the cracks or who are disenfranchised, will continue falling pregnant at a young age.

Vice

Our approach to climate change and hunger in Burma would essentially be to focus on Burma's farmers – around 65% of the country's workforce – to help them understand climate change and how they might better manage their surroundings, while looking to energise the agricultural sector and industrialise and modernise the economy in environmentally and socially sustainable ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Glades I culture, lasting from 500 BCE to 800 CE, was apparently focused around Gordon Pass and is considered the least sophisticated due to the lack of artifacts.

Wikipedia

As in previous quarters, the numbers most of us pundits are going to focus on revolve around Microsoft's cloud efforts.

TechCrunch

Protestant opposition to James was therefore increasingly focused around Anne and George instead of Mary, who was heiress presumptive.

Wikipedia

Following the river's bend, the road returns to its southern heading as most development focuses around Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport on the opposite bank.

Wikipedia

Whenever the rumor mill gets to chatting about the iPhone heading to another carrier beyond AT&T, it's almost always focused around Verizon.

TechCrunch

One big caveat to this news is how, again, it seems mainly focused around London.

The Guardian

May 2001 London mayor, Ken Livingstone says he will do everything in his power to back the bid as long as the development plans are focused around East London.

The Guardian

Initially, the notifications will be focused around London buses, starting with 100 vehicles, but Worley says that the plan is to expand that across the UK, to other transportation mediums, and to other places where Proxama's beacons are situated.

TechCrunch

Pippa Corney, South Cambridgeshire District Council's cabinet member for planning policy and localism, said: "Many people have told us they favour development being focused around Cambridge or in a new town or new village and we have listened to our residents".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to focus around", ensure the context clearly indicates that the subject is both a point of concentration and a central element around which other things are organized.

Common error

Be mindful of using "to focus around" when a simpler, more direct phrasing like "to focus on" or "to center on" would suffice. Redundancy can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to focus around" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the central point or core area of attention. It suggests a concentration of effort, resources, or interest that influences aspects in its vicinity, like saying something is built or developed around something.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to focus around" is grammatically correct but may sometimes sound slightly awkward. According to Ludwig, it is used to indicate that something serves as a central point around which other things are organized. While generally understandable, there are often more precise and concise alternatives like "to center on" or "to revolve around" that could enhance clarity. The absence of very frequent or clear examples suggests it's wise to consider more common phrasing, especially in professional contexts. Use it cautiously, ensuring the context genuinely benefits from the implication of centrality and influence. It can be often better to use the simpler "focus on".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to center on

This alternative replaces "focus" and "around" with a single verb that indicates being the main point.

to revolve around

This suggests that something is the central point around which other things are organized.

to concentrate on

This alternative emphasizes directing attention or effort toward a specific thing.

to be based on

Indicates that something has a particular foundation or core element.

to be themed around

Implies that something has a theme that is central to its nature.

to pivot around

This suggests that something turns or depends on a central element.

to direct towards

This alternative implies a deliberate channeling of attention or resources.

to orient towards

Indicates a direction or alignment toward a central element.

to target at

Suggests aiming efforts specifically toward something.

to hinge on

This alternative implies that something depends entirely on a key aspect.

FAQs

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

While grammatically correct, "to focus around" can sometimes sound awkward. Consider alternatives like "to center on" or "to revolve around" for smoother phrasing.

What's a more concise way to say "to focus around"?

Alternatives such as "to center on" or "to concentrate on" often provide a more direct and clear way to express the same idea.

Is "to focus around" always the best choice, or are there better alternatives?

Depending on the context, phrases like "to revolve around" or "to be based on" might be more appropriate and idiomatic.

How does "to focus around" differ from "to focus on"?

"To focus on" is a more general term. "To focus around" implies that something is not only the point of concentration, but also acts as a central element influencing surrounding aspects, much like to revolve around.