Focussed vs. Focused: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 13, 2024
"Focussed" is often seen as an incorrect spelling in American English. The preferred spelling is "Focused," meaning to concentrate attention or effort.
Which is correct: Focussed or Focused
How to spell Focused?
Focussed is Incorrect
Focused is Correct
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Link the word "focus" to a camera lens, which comes into a single, clear "focus."
Associate "focused" with "decided" – both have a single repeated consonant.
Recall the American English tendency to use single consonants; e.g., "traveled" vs. "travelled."
Remember "focus" + "ed" equals "focused."
Just as a lens has one center point, "focused" has one "s."
ADVERTISEMENT
Correct usage of Focused
He remained focussed on his homework for hours.
He remained focused on his homework for hours.
We need to stay focussed on our goals.
We need to stay focused on our goals.
She is very focussed when she is painting.
She is very focused when she is painting.
My teacher said I need to be more focussed in class.
My teacher said I need to be more focused in class.
The camera is not focussed correctly.
The camera is not focused correctly.
Focused Definitions
Directing attention or effort towards a particular activity or goal.
She remained focused on her studies.
Concentrated in one direction or on one task.
The team was focused on the project's success.
Intense and particular attention to something.
The spotlight focused on the lead singer.
The distinctness or clarity of an image rendered by an optical system.
The state of maximum distinctness or clarity of such an image
In focus.
Out of focus.
An apparatus used to adjust the focal length of an optical system in order to make an image distinct or clear
A camera with automatic focus.
A point at which rays of light or other radiation converge or from which they appear to diverge, as after refraction or reflection in an optical system
The focus of a lens. Also called focal point.
See focal length.
A center of interest or activity
"Precisely how diet affects E. coli in livestock is the focus of current research" (Cindy Engel).
Close or narrow attention; concentration
"He was forever taken aback by [New York's] pervasive atmosphere of purposefulness—the tight focus of its drivers, the brisk intensity of its pedestrians" (Anne Tyler).
A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived
Couldn't get the problem into focus.
(Medicine) The region of a localized bodily infection or disease.
(Geology) The point of origin of an earthquake.
(Mathematics) A fixed point whose relationship with a directrix determines a conic section.
To cause (light rays, for example) to converge on or toward a central point; concentrate.
To render (an object or image) in clear outline or sharp detail by adjustment of one's vision or an optical device; bring into focus.
To adjust (a lens, for example) to produce a clear image.
To direct toward a particular point or purpose
Focused all their attention on finding a solution to the problem.
To converge on or toward a central point of focus; be focused.
To adjust one's vision or an optical device so as to render a clear, distinct image.
To concentrate attention or energy
A campaign that focused on economic issues.
Directing all one's efforts towards achieving a particular goal.
Dealing with some narrowly defined aspects of a broader phenomenon.
Simple past tense and past participle of focus
Being in focus or brought into focus; clearly delineated; - of an image. Opposite of unfocused.
Converging on a point; - of light rays; as, focused light rays can set something afire.
Concentrated on or clustered around a central point or purpose.
Of an optical system (e.g. eye or opera glasses) adjusted to produce a clear image
Being in focus or brought into focus
(of light rays) converging on a point;
Focused light rays can set something afire
Concentrated on or clustered around a central point or purpose
Being clear and sharp; not blurry.
The image is now focused and clear.
Having clarity of thought or purpose.
His focused mind led to innovative solutions.
Focused Sentences
Being focused helps me read faster.
I'm most focused in the morning, right after breakfast.
She's focused on improving her grades this semester.
I need to be focused to solve these math problems.
My coach told me to stay focused during the game.
The teacher asked the class to stay focused on the lesson.
Staying focused can be tough, but it's important.
He's so focused on his project, he forgets to eat.
The team was focused on winning the championship.
He's very focused on his goal to become a scientist.
Focused studying is better than studying with distractions.
When she's focused, she's an excellent writer.
She practiced staying focused to improve her attention span.
They were focused on their research, looking for a cure.
Being focused helps me learn new languages faster.
To be a good reader, you need to be focused.
Focused practice is the key to mastering an instrument.
The athlete remained focused despite the pressure.
He worked focused and efficiently all afternoon.
To complete a puzzle quickly, one must be focused.
I use a timer to keep myself focused while studying.
Focused Idioms & Phrases
Laser-focused
Extremely focused on a specific task or goal.
She was laser-focused on her studies and aced all her exams.
FAQs
What is the verb form of Focused?
The verb form is "focus."
Which vowel is used before Focused?
Typically, the vowel "a" as in "a focused effort."
Why is it called Focused?
It's derived from the verb "focus," meaning to direct one's attention or concentrate on something.
What is the singular form of Focused?
Focused (it can be both an adjective and a past tense verb).
What is the root word of Focused?
The root word is "focus."
Which article is used with Focused?
Both "a" and "the" can be used depending on context.
What is the pronunciation of Focused?
Focused is pronounced as /ˈfoʊ.kəst/.
Which conjunction is used with Focused?
Any conjunction can be used, depending on the sentence.
Is Focused a noun or adjective?
Focused can be both a verb (past tense) and an adjective.
Is the word Focused imperative?
No, it's not an imperative verb.
What is the plural form of Focused?
Focused doesn't have a plural form as an adjective or verb.
Is Focused a vowel or consonant?
"Focused" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is Focused a countable noun?
No, it's primarily an adjective or verb.
What is the third form of Focused?
Focused.
Which preposition is used with Focused?
"On" as in "focused on a task."
Is Focused a collective noun?
No.
How do we divide Focused into syllables?
Fo-cused.
What is the opposite of Focused?
Distracted or scattered.
What is the first form of Focused?
Focus.
What is the second form of Focused?
Focused.
What is a stressed syllable in Focused?
The first syllable, "Fo."
Is Focused an abstract noun?
No, focused is not a noun.
Is Focused a negative or positive word?
Neutral, but often perceived as positive because of its association with determination and attention.
What part of speech is Focused?
Adjective and past tense verb.
What is another term for Focused?
Concentrated.
Is Focused an adverb?
No, there's "focally" as the adverb form.
Is the Focused term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used metaphorically, e.g., "focused energy."
How many syllables are in Focused?
Two syllables.
Which determiner is used with Focused?
Depends on context, e.g., "such focused determination."
How is Focused used in a sentence?
"He stayed focused on his goals, despite numerous challenges."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
