Focusing vs. Focussing — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on December 24, 2023
Focusing and Focussing are both correct spellings of the verb meaning to direct attention or effort to a specific point. Focusing is preferred in American English, while Focussing is more common in British English.
Difference Between Focusing and Focussing
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Key Differences
Focusing is the spelling commonly used in American English, representing the act of concentrating attention or effort. Focussing, with double 's', is the variant preferred in British English, denoting the same process of directing attention.
In the context of photography or optics, focusing refers to adjusting the lens to make an image clear. Focussing in British English also describes this act, emphasizing the clarity and precision of an image.
The spelling focusing aligns with the general American English pattern of simplifying word forms. Conversely, focussing in British English retains the traditional double 's', common in words where the final consonant is doubled before adding a suffix.
When it comes to grammar and usage, focusing is generally accepted globally, given the influence of American English. However, focussing is not incorrect and is widely accepted, especially in British English contexts.
Both focusing and focussing are derived from the noun 'focus', but their spelling variations reflect differences in American and British English orthographic conventions.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Single 's'
Double 's'
Preferred Usage
American English
British English
Context
General and technical contexts
Primarily in British contexts
Orthographic Pattern
Simplified American English spelling
Traditional British English spelling
Global Acceptance
Widely accepted
Accepted, especially in British English regions
Compare with Definitions
Focusing
Concentrating attention or vision.
She's focusing on her studies for the final exams.
Focussing
Paying close attention to something.
She's focussing on her piano practice.
Focusing
Directing efforts towards a goal.
The team is focusing on meeting the project deadline.
Focussing
Making an image or view clear.
He spent time focussing the telescope.
Focusing
Adjusting the clarity of an image.
Focusing the camera, he captured a stunning photo.
Focussing
Allocating resources or energy to a task.
Our company is focussing on sustainability.
Focusing
Zeroing in on a specific topic.
The seminar is focusing on environmental issues.
Focussing
Emphasizing a particular aspect.
The lecture is focussing on ancient history.
Focusing
Sharpening one's concentration.
He's focusing more in class lately.
Focussing
Enhancing one's mental concentration.
Focussing during meditation is essential.
Focusing
The distinctness or clarity of an image rendered by an optical system.
Focussing
The distinctness or clarity of an image rendered by an optical system.
Focusing
The state of maximum distinctness or clarity of such an image
In focus.
Out of focus.
Focussing
The state of maximum distinctness or clarity of such an image
In focus.
Out of focus.
Focusing
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.
Focussing
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.
Focusing
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.
Focussing
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.
Focusing
See focal length.
Focussing
See focal length.
Focusing
A center of interest or activity
"Precisely how diet affects E. coli in livestock is the focus of current research" (Cindy Engel).
Focussing
A center of interest or activity
"Precisely how diet affects E. coli in livestock is the focus of current research" (Cindy Engel).
Focusing
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).
Focussing
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).
Focusing
A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived
Couldn't get the problem into focus.
Focussing
A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived
Couldn't get the problem into focus.
Focusing
(Medicine) The region of a localized bodily infection or disease.
Focussing
(Medicine) The region of a localized bodily infection or disease.
Focusing
(Geology) The point of origin of an earthquake.
Focussing
(Geology) The point of origin of an earthquake.
Focusing
(Mathematics) A fixed point whose relationship with a directrix determines a conic section.
Focussing
(Mathematics) A fixed point whose relationship with a directrix determines a conic section.
Focusing
To cause (light rays, for example) to converge on or toward a central point; concentrate.
Focussing
To cause (light rays, for example) to converge on or toward a central point; concentrate.
Focusing
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.
Focussing
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.
Focusing
To adjust (a lens, for example) to produce a clear image.
Focussing
To adjust (a lens, for example) to produce a clear image.
Focusing
To direct toward a particular point or purpose
Focused all their attention on finding a solution to the problem.
Focussing
To direct toward a particular point or purpose
Focused all their attention on finding a solution to the problem.
Focusing
To converge on or toward a central point of focus; be focused.
Focussing
To converge on or toward a central point of focus; be focused.
Focusing
To adjust one's vision or an optical device so as to render a clear, distinct image.
Focussing
To adjust one's vision or an optical device so as to render a clear, distinct image.
Focusing
To concentrate attention or energy
A campaign that focused on economic issues.
Focussing
To concentrate attention or energy
A campaign that focused on economic issues.
Focusing
Used for or pertaining to focusing.
Focussing
Present participle of focus
Focusing
Pertaining to the direction of attention, effort, or energy to a particular audience or purpose over time.
Focussing
The concentration of attention or energy on something;
The focus of activity shifted to molecular biology
He had no direction in his life
Focusing
The action of the verb to focus.
Focusing
Infl of focus.
Focusing
The concentration of attention or energy on something.
Focusing
The act of bringing into focus.
Focusing
The concentration of attention or energy on something;
The focus of activity shifted to molecular biology
He had no direction in his life
Focusing
The act of bringing into focus
Common Curiosities
Is focussing considered a spelling mistake in the US?
It's not the preferred spelling, but it's not necessarily a mistake.
Is focusing more common globally?
Yes, due to the influence of American English.
Are focusing and focussing interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable but vary based on regional spelling preferences.
Does focusing always involve vision?
No, it can also refer to mental or effort concentration.
Is focussing used in scientific contexts in the UK?
Yes, it's used in all contexts where focusing is applicable.
Is the spelling influenced by the noun form 'focus'?
Yes, both derive from 'focus' but adapt to spelling conventions.
Can I use focussing in American English?
It's not standard, but it's understandable.
Do English language learners need to know both spellings?
Awareness is helpful, but using either spelling is generally acceptable.
Are there any differences in pronunciation?
No, both are pronounced the same way.
Are there other words with similar American and British spelling variations?
Yes, such as 'traveling' (US) vs. 'travelling' (UK).
Is focussing more traditional in spelling?
Yes, it follows the traditional British pattern of doubling consonants.
Has the spelling of focusing/focussing evolved over time?
Yes, focusing has become more prevalent with American English's global influence.
Can focussing be used in formal writing in the UK?
Yes, it's acceptable in formal British English.
Does focusing imply a longer duration of attention?
Not necessarily; it's about the intensity and concentration of attention.
Can focusing be used metaphorically?
Yes, like focusing one's life goals or ambitions.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
