"focus their attentions" vs "focus their attention"

Question

"focus their attentions" vs "focus their attention"

Both 'focus their attention' and 'focus their attentions' are correct, but 'focus their attention' is more commonly used in English. The singular form 'attention' is typically used in this context.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

While less common, 'focus their attentions' can be used to emphasize the idea of directing multiple aspects of attention or focusing on different things.

Alternatives:

focus on various aspects
concentrate on different areas
direct their focus
divert their attentions
concentrate on multiple tasks

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is directing their attention or concentration towards something specific.

Examples:

Students should focus their attention on the main points of the lesson.
It's important to focus your attention on the road while driving.
The manager asked the team to focus their attention on improving customer service.
During the meeting, everyone should focus their attention on the speaker.
The therapist helps clients focus their attention on their breathing during meditation.

Alternatives:

concentrate on their attention
direct their attention
pay attention to
center their attention
fix their attention

Answer 1

focus their attentions

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

Answer 2

focus their attention

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.