To the attention of

USAGE SUMMARY

"To the Attention of" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase at the beginning of a letter or email to indicate that the message is specifically addressed to a particular person or organization. For example: "To the Attention of the Human Resources Department, I am writing to apply for the position of..."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Then he came to the attention of Robt.

The New Yorker

It brought him to the attention of Tinie Tempah.

The Guardian - Music

There she soon came to the attention of Prada's recruiters.

The New Yorker

He quickly came to the attention of law enforcement officials.

The Guardian

Call any abnormality to the attention of the child's physician.

The New York Times - Health

When the plot came to the attention of Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For Soltani, the mix-up brought her to the attention of the Iranian secret service.

The Guardian

"Any dangerous behaviour is to be brought to the attention of police".

The Guardian

His acceptance speech drew him to the attention of a young television producer, Bob Saudek.

The Guardian

His opinion was brought to the attention of Mr. Amato, who said he was not swayed.

The New York Times

He was a trailblazer who brought City to the attention of big players and their agents.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a department or group, use "To the attention of" followed by the department name to ensure the message reaches the relevant individuals. For example, "To the attention of Customer Service Department".

Common error

Avoid using "to the attention of" in casual or informal communication; it's better suited for formal letters, emails, or official documents. Consider alternatives such as "Hi [Name]" or "For [Name]" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to the attention of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the intended recipient of a message or communication. Ludwig confirms its proper usage for directing focus to a specific entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to the attention of" is a prepositional phrase used to direct communication to a specific recipient in a formal setting. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical function is correct. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. For less formal situations, consider using alternative phrases, such as "for the notice of" or "addressed to". Remember to avoid using it in casual conversation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and appropriately use "to the attention of" in your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brought to the notice of

A more verbose version, emphasizing the act of informing someone.

for the notice of

Highlights the act of noticing, suitable when the goal is to bring something to someone's awareness.

for the consideration of

Emphasizes the act of considering something, making it suitable for formal contexts.

directed to

Suggests a more specific and intentional direction of information.

addressed to

Directly indicates the intended recipient, suitable for formal communications.

for review by

Implies that something is being submitted for a formal evaluation.

submitted to

Indicates a formal act of presenting information for consideration.

brought before

Suggests presenting something formally to a group or individual.

highlighted for

Emphasizes that something is specifically pointed out for focus.

made aware to

Focuses on the act of making someone conscious of something.

FAQs

How can I use "to the attention of" in a sentence?

Use "to the attention of" at the beginning of a formal letter or email to direct the message to a specific person or department. For instance, "To the attention of the Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my interest in the open position".

What are some alternatives to "to the attention of"?

Alternatives include "for the consideration of", "for the notice of", or "addressed to", depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "to the attention of"?

It's appropriate in formal correspondence, such as cover letters, official complaints, or any communication where you need to ensure a specific individual or department receives the message. Avoid using it in informal emails or casual notes.

Is it necessary to include a name after "to the attention of"?

Ideally, include a specific name if you know it. If not, specifying a department or role (e.g., "To the attention of Human Resources") is acceptable. This ensures your message is directed to the appropriate area.