undue focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undue focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive or inappropriate level of attention given to a particular subject or issue. Example: "The report criticized the committee for its undue focus on minor details while neglecting the larger issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Undue focus on the air temperature plateau is cretinous for several more reasons.

The Guardian

Placing undue focus on this single stage of our lives robs us of our dignity.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It is clear there will be an undue focus on the prisoners rather than their innocent victims".

The New York Times

And undue focus on one target can lead to crimes that are not measured being neglected altogether," she said.

The Guardian

He shared his frustration with what he considered the undue focus on ratings and the rise of Fox News Channel with the reporters who cover television.

The New York Times

She contends that, to date, there has been an "undue focus on individual solutions" to mental health difficulties such as depression, when what is called for is a "social solution".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Undue stress can also make elastic expire.

Huffington Post

This causes immense anxiety and undue stress.

Huffington Post

"This is causing undue stress and burden".

Huffington Post

Move it if this causes undue stress.

WikiHow

Pushing yourself will cause undue stress.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undue focus", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of what should be receiving more appropriate attention or what the negative consequences of the skewed focus are. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating there's "undue focus" without explaining why it's problematic. Detail the negative effects or missed opportunities that arise from this imbalance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undue focus" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "undue" modifies the noun "focus". It describes the kind or degree of focus being applied. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and understandable construction in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undue focus" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase expressing an imbalance in attention or effort. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct expression. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, it serves to criticize or express concern about skewed priorities. When using "undue focus", it is helpful to specify the problematic consequences of the imbalance. Alternatives like "excessive emphasis" and "disproportionate attention" can provide nuanced shades of meaning depending on the context. Ensure that when using "undue focus" you explain why the focus is problematic, and what should be the right focus to make the text more informative and less confusing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overemphasis

A direct synonym indicating too much emphasis.

excessive emphasis

Implies a greater degree of stress or importance placed on something.

disproportionate attention

Suggests the amount of attention is not in line with its importance.

inordinate concentration

Highlights the excessive nature of the focus or concentration.

unwarranted emphasis

Indicates the emphasis lacks justification or reason.

unjustified attention

Similar to unwarranted emphasis, but emphasizes the lack of a valid reason for the attention.

inappropriate emphasis

The emphasis is not suitable or fitting for the situation.

excessive consideration

Focuses on the act of considering something too much.

disproportionate weight

Implies that too much importance or influence is being assigned.

misplaced priority

Highlights that something else is more important.

FAQs

What does "undue focus" mean?

The phrase "undue focus" refers to an excessive or inappropriate concentration of attention or effort on a particular subject, often at the expense of other, potentially more important matters.

What can I say instead of "undue focus"?

You can use alternatives like "excessive emphasis", "disproportionate attention", or "inordinate concentration" depending on the context.

How do I use "undue focus" in a sentence?

You might say, "The investigation placed an "undue focus" on minor infractions, while ignoring the systemic issues." or "There's an "undue focus" on short-term profits at the expense of long-term growth."

What is the difference between "undue focus" and "undue emphasis"?

While similar, "undue focus" generally refers to the concentration of attention, whereas "undue emphasis" indicates the degree of importance given to something. Both imply an imbalance, but one relates to attention and the other to perceived importance.