Call attention to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Call attention to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to highlight or emphasize something for others to notice. Example: "The report aims to call attention to the urgent need for environmental policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Call attention to your efforts.

WikiHow

Call attention to your lasting devotion.

WikiHow

Call attention to any "Festivus miracles".

WikiHow

Call attention to yourself and run toward safety immediately.

WikiHow

You don't call attention to them.

The New York Times

Deep caves rarely call attention to themselves.

The New Yorker

Mr. Helm didn't call attention to himself.

The New York Times - Arts

"They never call attention to themselves".

The New York Times

"Typically companies try to call attention to their strongest suit".

The New York Times - Tech

Jonathan certainly knows how to call attention to himself.

The New York Times

Its surface features alone immediately call attention to themselves.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Call attention to" when you want to politely or formally highlight an issue or aspect that needs to be considered or addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "Call attention to" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "It should be called attention to", opt for "We should call attention to it" to maintain a clear and direct style.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Call attention to" is as a phrasal verb. It functions to direct focus or highlight something specific, as seen in Ludwig examples where it's used to emphasize efforts, devotion, or problems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Call attention to" is a versatile phrasal verb used to emphasize or highlight something, making it more noticeable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. It's frequently found in news media and wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Alternatives like "draw attention to" or "highlight" can be used for stylistic variation. When using this phrase, ensure it's in an active voice for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Draw attention to

Uses "draw" instead of "call", slightly altering the imagery but maintaining the core meaning of attracting focus.

Highlight

A more direct and concise way to express the act of making something noticeable.

Emphasize

Focuses on stressing the importance of something, rather than simply making it visible.

Spotlight

Emphasizes bringing something into prominence or focus, often used metaphorically.

Focus on

Directs attention toward something, but can also imply a deeper analysis or consideration.

Bring to the forefront

Suggests moving something from a less visible position to a more prominent one.

Make known

Focuses on publicizing something, which may or may not involve emphasizing it.

Point out

Directs attention to a specific detail or aspect, often to correct or inform.

Underscore

Stresses the importance or significance of something.

Flag up

Primarily used in British English, it means to bring something to someone's attention.

FAQs

What does "Call attention to" mean?

The phrase "Call attention to" means to highlight or emphasize something, making it more noticeable or bringing it to people's awareness.

How can I use "Call attention to" in a sentence?

You can use "Call attention to" to emphasize specific points or issues. For instance, "The report aims to "draw attention to" the urgent need for environmental policy changes."

What are some alternatives to "Call attention to"?

Alternatives to "Call attention to" include "highlight", "emphasize", or "draw attention to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "call attention to" or "draw attention to"?

Both "call attention to" and "draw attention to" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.