Direct attention to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Direct attention to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize or highlight a specific point or issue that requires focus. Example: "In this report, I would like to direct attention to the significant findings of our research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Direct attention to foreclosures.

The Guardian - Business

Direct attention to the aspects of your figure that you love with strategic sequin placement".

Huffington Post

As a control for attentional effects, we trained one monkey to direct attention to one of the surfaces of the plaids, while ignoring the other surface.

Cerebral Cortex

How do I direct attention to something.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As one character says: "Almost anything that you pay close, direct attention to becomes interesting".

The Guardian - Books

The federal constitution gives relatively little direct attention to the structure of public finance.

Columbia University

WE would like to direct attention to results obtained from a keyboard training experiment.

Nature

Humans use cognitive information to direct attention to relevant objects (targets) in a visual scene.

Nature

Many attempts at categorization direct attention to the objective of the movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This finding may direct attention to the beneficial effects of using SHS in chemotherapeutic approaches.

European Journal of Pharmacology

Our results direct attention to investigate the interactions of imatinib with artificial/biological membranes.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Direct attention to", ensure the subject clearly indicates what or who is being focused upon. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "Direct attention to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "focus on" or "look at" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Direct attention to" functions as a directive, prompting the audience to focus on a specific element. Ludwig AI highlights its use across various contexts, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Direct attention to" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for guiding focus or emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms its utility across academia, news, and science. While versatile, it’s most effective in formal contexts, where it precisely directs the audience to a key point. Simpler alternatives like "focus on" or "highlight" may suit informal settings. Therefore, using "Direct attention to" correctly involves considering the context and audience for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Focus on

This alternative is more direct and concise, suitable for less formal contexts.

Call attention to

This alternative is very similar, suggesting an explicit attempt to make something noticeable.

Draw attention to

This alternative is similar but implies a more active effort to make something noticeable.

Highlight

This alternative suggests bringing something to the forefront, emphasizing its importance.

Emphasize

This alternative stresses the significance or importance of something.

Spotlight

This alternative is a more vivid term for highlighting or focusing on something.

Turn the spotlight on

This alternative phrase is more emphatic, implying a deliberate shift of focus.

Give prominence to

This alternative suggests elevating something in importance or visibility.

Zero in on

This alternative suggests a narrowing of focus to a specific point or detail.

Concentrate on

This alternative suggests focusing one's mental effort or resources on something.

FAQs

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

You can use "Direct attention to" to highlight specific details, issues, or findings. For example, "In this report, I want to direct attention to the increasing rates of literacy in urban communities."

What can I say instead of "Direct attention to"?

Alternatives include "focus on", "highlight", or "emphasize", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Direct attention to" in formal writing?

Yes, "Direct attention to" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts, as it clearly and precisely indicates where focus should be placed.

What's the difference between "Direct attention to" and "Draw attention to"?

"Direct attention to" implies a more deliberate and controlled focus, whereas "draw attention to" suggests a more active effort to make something noticeable or prominent.