turn the focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn the focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to shift attention or concentration to a different subject or aspect of a discussion. Example: "In this meeting, I would like to turn the focus to our marketing strategy for the upcoming quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They turn the focus back on journalists.

The Washington Post

Finally it tried to turn the focus to political solutions.

The New York Times

"He will be able to turn the focus of the campaign back onto the first lady.

The New York Times

Mr Nel tried to turn the focus back on to the seriousness of the charges.

Independent

Deming wants to turn the focus on the value colleges provide as engines of economic mobility.

Harvard University

In turn, a spokeswoman for President Obama tried to turn the focus to language used by Mr. Romney himself.

The New York Times

We can recognise that Ardern's purpose as prime minister was rightly to turn the focus on those lost and mourned.

The Guardian - Opinion

Turn the focus to the human level to "what's really going on in that boardroom," in William Donaldson's phrase.

Harvard Business Review

They said MoveOn had handed Republicans a fresh talking point to criticize Democrats and turn the focus from Iraq in a critical week in the war debate.

The New York Times

A successful summit meeting between North and South Korea, scheduled for October, could turn the focus away from the economy to peace on the peninsula, helping liberal candidates.

The New York Times

So it is with a heavy head that I turn the focus of this series on the Millennium Prize Problems to the Hodge Conjecture.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn the focus" when you want to intentionally redirect attention from one subject to another, especially to highlight a different perspective or introduce a new element to the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "turn the focus" as a mere conversational filler when there isn't a genuine need to shift the subject. Ensure the transition is logical and relevant to the overall context; otherwise, it can sound abrupt or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn the focus" functions primarily as a verbal phrase used to indicate a redirection of attention or emphasis. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turn the focus" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a redirection of attention or emphasis. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most commonly in news and media outlets, as well as academic and formal business settings. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure that the shift in focus is both logical and relevant. Alternatives such as "shift the attention" or "redirect the emphasis" can provide subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively employ "turn the focus" to enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shift the attention

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing a change in where attention is directed.

redirect the emphasis

This alternative highlights changing the importance or stress placed on something.

reorient the discussion

This alternative implies a more deliberate and planned change in the direction of a conversation.

refocus the lens

This alternative uses a metaphor of focusing a camera lens, emphasizing a clearer or different perspective.

change the subject

This alternative suggests a complete departure from the current topic of conversation.

pivot the conversation

This alternative uses business jargon, implying a strategic and swift shift in discussion.

alter the perspective

This alternative focuses on changing the viewpoint or way of understanding a situation.

modify the viewpoint

This alternative emphasizes adapting or altering a particular stance or position.

adjust the angle

This alternative suggests a slight modification in how something is considered.

bring something else into the picture

This alternative suggests introducing a new element or aspect into the discussion or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "turn the focus" in a sentence?

You can use "turn the focus" to indicate a shift in attention or emphasis, such as: "Let's "turn the focus" to the positive aspects of this project" or "The politician tried to "turn the focus" away from the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "turn the focus"?

Some alternatives to "turn the focus" include "shift the attention", "redirect the emphasis", or "change the subject", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "turn the focus" in formal writing?

Yes, "turn the focus" is appropriate in formal writing. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to indicate a change in topic or emphasis. For example, "This study will "turn the focus" to the impact of climate change on coastal communities".

What's the difference between "turn the focus" and "shift the focus"?

While "turn the focus" and "shift the focus" are very similar, "turn the focus" can imply a more deliberate or forceful redirection of attention, whereas "shift the focus" can be more subtle.