Please pay attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Please pay attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request someone's focus or concentration on a particular matter. Example: "During the presentation, please pay attention to the key points being discussed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Please pay attention," she said.

The New York Times

Please pay attention this time!

The New Yorker

"Please pay attention to Chinese track and field.

The New York Times

"Please pay attention to Chinese track and field," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Please pay attention, and look up for yourself what is actually happening in Hartford!

The New York Times

Please pay attention, Miss Dahl – let's make this account of yours delicious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

If you go, please pay special attention to the confessionals.

The New York Times

Due to recent electroconvulsive therapy, please pay close attention to the following options.

The New York Times - Books

Please pay special attention to the fact that he really has a problem with the parrot.

Vice

Please, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain curtain behind the man.

Huffington Post

Please, pay no attention whatsoever to that -- it's all the Democrats' fault for refusing to stop bringing up what we're actually legislatively trying to do!" Sigh.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from a more sophisticated phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "Please pay attention" excessively in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or even condescending in relaxed settings. Opt for more natural alternatives like "Hey, listen up" or "Check this out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please pay attention" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or requesting someone to focus on the information that follows. It is a common way to signal the importance of what is about to be said. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Please pay attention" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative, particularly within News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. It serves to direct the audience's focus towards crucial information. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, although it's advisable to adjust formality depending on the audience and setting. Overuse in informal conversations could come across as condescending, so consider the alternatives like listen carefully or focus your mind. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pay close attention

Highlights the need for careful observation.

Listen carefully

Emphasizes the act of listening.

Kindly give your attention

More polite and formal.

Be attentive now

More direct and less verbose.

Concentrate on this

Stresses mental effort.

Focus your mind

Emphasizes mental focus.

Lend me your ears

Figurative and dramatic, borrowing from Shakespeare.

Take heed of this

Formal and cautionary.

Mark my words

Emphasizes the importance of what is being said.

Heed this warning

Advisory and cautionary.

FAQs

How to use "Please pay attention" in a sentence?

You can use "Please pay attention" to introduce important information or instructions. For example: "Please pay attention, this is crucial for the project's success."

What can I say instead of "Please pay attention"?

You can use alternatives like "listen carefully", "pay close attention", or "focus your mind" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Please pay attention" or "Pay attention please"?

"Please pay attention" is generally considered more polite and grammatically standard than "Pay attention please", though both are understandable. The former is preferred in most formal contexts.

What's the difference between "Please pay attention" and "Please be aware"?

"Please pay attention" is used when you want someone to focus on specific information. "Please be aware" is used to alert someone to a potential danger or situation. The two phrases are not usually interchangeable.