# concentrate on sth

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/concentrate-on-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to give all your attention to one thing or activity.

For teachers: to direct one's mental effort or attention toward a specific task or object; functions as a transitive phrasal verb requiring the preposition 'on'.

## Examples

- I need to concentrate on my homework right now.
- It is hard to concentrate on your work when there is loud music playing in the next room.
- The research team decided to concentrate on the environmental impact of the new factory rather than its economic benefits.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I must concentrate in my studies." but "I must concentrate on my studies." — the verb 'concentrate' always takes the preposition 'on', never 'in' or 'at'.

## Usage notes

- the object is usually a task, a problem, or a specific area of study.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'focus on'; while often interchangeable, 'concentrate' implies a more intense or tiring mental effort.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.