"can't concentrate" vs "can't concentrate on"

Question

"can't concentrate" vs "can't concentrate on"

Both "can't concentrate" and "can't concentrate on" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Can't concentrate" is a general statement indicating a lack of focus or attention, while "can't concentrate on" is used when specifying the object or task that is causing the lack of focus.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is used to express the inability to focus or pay attention to something without specifying the object or task causing the lack of concentration.

Examples:

I can't concentrate with all this noise.
She can't concentrate when she's hungry.
He can't concentrate on his work when he's stressed.
They can't concentrate during the lecture.
The students can't concentrate in a noisy environment.

Alternatives:

can't focus
can't pay attention
can't stay focused

This phrase is used to express the inability to focus or pay attention to a specific object, task, or topic.

Examples:

I can't concentrate on my homework with all this noise.
She can't concentrate on her book when she's hungry.
He can't concentrate on his work when he's stressed.
They can't concentrate on the presentation.
The students can't concentrate on the math problem.

Alternatives:

can't focus on
can't pay attention to
can't stay focused on

Answer 1

can't concentrate

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a general lack of focus or attention.

Answer 2

can't concentrate on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when specifying the object or task that is causing the lack of focus.