# focus on

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to give all your attention to one particular person, thing, or activity.

For teachers: to concentrate attention or effort on a specific subject, task, or stimulus; functions as a transitive phrasal verb requiring the preposition 'on'.

## Examples

- I need to focus on my homework now.
- The meeting will focus on the new budget for the upcoming year.
- While the initial report touched on several minor issues, the final analysis must focus on the structural integrity of the bridge.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We need to focus in the problem." but "We need to focus on the problem." — the verb 'focus' always requires the preposition 'on' when followed by an object.

## Usage notes

- the object is usually the topic of thought, a specific task, or a visual target.
- Teaching tip: students often use 'in' or 'at' due to first-language interference; emphasize that 'on' is the fixed partner for this verb.

---

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.