was highly focused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was highly focused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that was intensely concentrated or attentive to a particular task or subject in the past. Example: "During the meeting, she was highly focused on the presentation, taking detailed notes and asking insightful questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He was highly focused in the way he approached his racing and a real perfectionist.

The Guardian - Sport

The entire Industrial Development Agency process was above board, and was highly focused on which aspects of the Plainview motel project would benefit the community.

The New York Times

Joyce Herring was highly focused as the heroine manipulated clinically by four men in a surreal clinic effectively evoked by Mr. Feiner's white pillars.

The New York Times

The Revolutionary generation — which was really the greatest generation, by the way — was highly focused on the idea of public virtue, and whether or not there was enough of it to sustain the American Republic.

The New York Times

But if Farook, who only later was to meet his wife, bringing her to the United States on a special fiancée visa last year, was highly focused, Mr Marquez could blabber.

Independent

His top-down, rigidly hierarchical management style made him a bit of a throwback, but at the same time he encouraged diversity in the workplace, and even his severest critics had to admit that he was highly focused and very clear about his goals: enslavement of the earth's population.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Yellen said that the Fed was "highly focussed" on the threat of bubbles in various markets, including the credit markets, but that, so far, she hadn't seen anything very worrisome.

The New Yorker

Although none of the genes tested were expressed above WT levels, it is possible that this renewed expression was highly focussed within areas of remodelling.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

He is highly focused.

Independent

I would say they're highly focused, perhaps more than we were.

The New York Times - Arts

"But it's doable if we can get our heads around it and make sure we're highly focused.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was highly focused" when describing a past state of intense concentration or dedication to a specific task or goal. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject was focused on.

Common error

Avoid overuse of adverbs like "highly". Consider if a stronger verb or adjective would more effectively convey the meaning of intense focus without relying on excessive modification. For example, instead of "was highly focused", using "concentrated intently" can improve sentence impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was highly focused" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a past state of intense concentration or attention. The usage examples provided by Ludwig AI demonstrate its application in various contexts, from describing individuals' behavior to the intent of specific actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was highly focused" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe a state of intense concentration or attention in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While the phrase is relatively rare, it effectively conveys a high degree of dedication or focus. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject was focused on and consider alternative phrasings for varied expression. The overall quality and consistency of its usage, supported by reputable sources, reinforces its appropriateness in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was intensely concentrated

Emphasizes the degree of mental effort and attention applied.

was deeply engrossed

Highlights a state of being completely absorbed in something.

was keenly dedicated

Focuses on the enthusiastic and committed aspect of concentration.

was completely absorbed

Indicates total immersion and attention to a task or subject.

was singularly attentive

Highlights the undivided nature of the attention given.

maintained unwavering focus

Emphasizes the sustained and persistent nature of the focus.

exhibited acute concentration

Highlights the sharp and precise nature of the focus.

demonstrated strong concentration

Focuses on the evident display of focused attention.

was laser-focused

Implies a very narrow and intense focus, like a laser beam.

was particularly attentive

Indicates a specific instance or occasion of heightened attention.

FAQs

How can I use "was highly focused" in a sentence?

Use "was highly focused" to describe someone or something in the past that demonstrated significant concentration. For example, "During the presentation, she was highly focused on every detail".

What are some alternatives to saying "was highly focused"?

You can use alternatives such as "was intensely concentrated", "was deeply engrossed", or "was keenly dedicated" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "was highly focused" and "was very focused"?

"Was highly focused" suggests a greater degree of concentration and dedication compared to "was very focused". The adverb "highly" intensifies the focus more significantly.

Is it always appropriate to use "was highly focused" in formal writing?

Yes, "was highly focused" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that the tone and context warrant such a strong emphasis on concentration. Consider alternative phrasing if a less intense description is more appropriate.