What are the definitions of “focus on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Concentrate.
The report FOCUSES ON the company's weak points.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “focus on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb focus on is to concentrate or pay attention to something specific. It can be used to describe giving attention to a particular topic, task, or problem.
What are the different verb forms of “focus on”?
| Root Verb | focus on |
| Third Person Singular Present | focuses on |
| Present Participle | focusing on |
| Simple Past | focused on |
| Past Participle | focused on |
Example
I need to focus on my studies to pass the exam.
Example
She focuses on her work to meet the deadline.
Example
He is focusing on improving his communication skills.
Example
Yesterday, they focused on solving the main issue.
Example
The meeting focused on discussing the new project.
What kind of phrasal verb is “focus on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“focus on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She focused on her homework.
Example
He focused on the main problem.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“focus on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She focused on her homework.
Example
He focused on the main problem.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “focus on”?
Good things to know
Does “focus on” have an informal or formal tone?
Focus on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as professional and academic settings.
