Find English Teachers
Yusuke
What's the difference between "focus" and "be focused". For example, I focus on speaking and I'm focused on speaking. I assume a lot of native speakers use "be focused". What do you think? Thank you in advance.
Feb 1, 2022 8:44 AM
Answers · 6
1
He’s focused on = he’s focusing on
He’s not looking to get married now. He’s focused on/focusing on his job. (It’s his priority now)
I’m focused on learning to speak fluently. I don’t care about reading or writing. (Now)
I focus on my studies during the week, but party on the weekend. (Habitually. You might hear ‘I’m focused on’ in this case, but ‘focus’ is better. )
You can double the ‘s’ here too.
February 1, 2022
1
I think the difference is very subtle. Both of them mean "to concentrate", but "be focused" is more reflexive, as if "focus" was the action itself, but "be focused" was rather the state of mind, if that makes sense to you.
- I need to focus on my speaking skills right now
- I am focused on my speaking skills right now
I believe native speakers would use both, it's just a matter of structure.
I hope that helped!
February 1, 2022
I think we don't use the present tense a lot to actually describe the present time. Like if am eating pizza, I wouldn't say "I eat pizza now", but "I am eating pizza now."
"I focus on my work when I have a lot of work to do."
"I am focusing on my work right now so please don't bother me."
-"What have you been up to?"
-"I'm focusing on getting healthy. I've been going to the gym and have been eating less sugar." (Could also say "I've been focusing on getting healthy")
"My focus is on my band. I really want us to write some new songs."
"She's focused on her writing." (in the moment) "She doesn't want to be disturbed."
"Please don't break my focus."
February 1, 2022
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Yusuke
Language Skills
English, Japanese
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

Speak More Fluently with This Simple Technique
7 likes · 2 Comments

How to Read and Understand a Business Contract in English
15 likes · 3 Comments

6 Ways italki Can Help You Succeed in Your School Language Classes
12 likes · 7 Comments
More articles