Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[BMO]

With respect to the sales of new model cell phones, we believe that focus on an advertising campaign is crucial.

Is above sentence correct? Should it be:

With respect to the sales of THE new model cell phones, we believe that FOCUSING on an advertising campaign is crucial.

Thanks.

[bud]

I think both versions are correct, BMO, but there could be a slight difference.

It is possible that "the new model cellphones" refers to only certain ones (for example, the very newest of the new) if that is already part of the context. "New model cellphones" would refer to any new model, despite the context. But in most cases they would mean the same thing, I think.

Both "focus" and "focusing" are correct, it's just that one is using "focus" as a noun, and the other as a verb. They have the same meaning.

Hope that helps.

[Bob S.]

I might ammend that:
focus and focusing are both nouns in this case, only focusing is a noun gerund derived from the verb to focus.
The verb in both clauses is is.

[BMO]

Thanks Bud and Bob S., it is very clear now. Have a great weekend.

bmo

[bud]

You too, BMO... Thanks Bob for correcting my mistake!