a certain attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific level or type of attention that is being given or required in a particular context. Example: "The project requires a certain attention to detail to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Making them is simple, although it requires a certain attention to detail.

The New York Times - Food

The design of such a timetable has recently received a certain attention in the literature.

Electronic Notes in Discrete Mathematics

The design of such timetables has recently received a certain attention in the literature, but the standard model aims to optimize the service for a fixed demand.

Transportation Research Part B: Methodological

In short, the film looks like a Z-list soap opera, the script is bafflingly disjointed, the sets lack a certain attention to detail (all the frames contain a picture of a spoon!?) and the lead actor, Wiseau, looks like a vampire and speaks in an accent that makes Schwarzenegger sound like Henry Higgins.

Independent

They've been making amazing spirits for 300 years... there's a certain attention to detail that the French have with all of their products, whether it's wine or spirits".

BBC

Single carrier with cyclic-prefix transmissions has recently gained a certain attention, especially after its adoption for the uplink in the 3GPP Long-Term-Evolution (LTE) standard [1].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He spoke slowly, with a certain sombre attention, like a kindergarten teacher explaining the tragic facts of life.

The New Yorker

"There's a certain arch attention to the reader's feelings: 'You're not going to enjoy this, so maybe you shouldn't read this.' It speaks to an awareness in the young that they're always being sold something.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's an extraordinary set that none the less lacks a certain pay-attention-damn-you quality.

The Guardian - Music

Ahmet gave them a certain amount of attention.

The New Yorker

Admittedly, her trainer drew a certain amount of attention himself.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain attention" when you want to indicate a specific kind or degree of focus, rather than general attention. For example, "The recipe requires "a certain attention" to timing."

Common error

Avoid using "a certain attention" when simply "attention" is sufficient. If the type of attention isn't specific or noteworthy, using the shorter form is more concise. For instance, instead of "The task needs a certain attention", consider "The task needs attention" if the context doesn't require further qualification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain attention" functions as a modifier to describe the type or degree of attention being given or required. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English. It specifies that the attention is not general but has a particular characteristic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

37%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain attention" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to indicate a specific type or degree of focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and academic sources. While alternatives like "specific focus" or "particular consideration" exist, "a certain attention" provides a nuanced way to highlight the required focus, with emphasis on the specific characteristics of the required attention. It's important to use it judiciously, avoiding redundancy when simply "attention" would suffice. The sources indicate authoritative publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian utilize the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific focus

Replaces "attention" with "focus", emphasizing concentration on a particular point.

particular consideration

Substitutes "attention" with "consideration", highlighting thoughtful regard.

special emphasis

Emphasizes the importance given to something, rather than just attention.

marked interest

Indicates a notable level of curiosity or engagement.

heightened awareness

Focuses on increased perception or understanding.

noticeable regard

Highlights a clear and observable level of respect or concern.

defined scrutiny

Implies careful and thorough examination.

pointed observation

Emphasizes directed and intentional watching or monitoring.

detailed inspection

Suggests a thorough and meticulous examination of something.

close observation

Indicates careful and attentive watching to notice details.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain attention" in a sentence?

Use "a certain attention" when specifying a particular type or degree of focus is necessary. For example, "The project requires "a certain attention" to detail" or "He spoke with "a certain attention" to accuracy".

What's the difference between "a certain attention" and "specific attention"?

"A certain attention" suggests a particular kind or degree of focus, while "specific attention" emphasizes clarity and precision in the attention given. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the nature or the clarity of the focus.

Are there situations where using just "attention" is better than "a certain attention"?

Yes, when the context doesn't require specifying the type or degree of attention, using simply "attention" is more concise. For instance, instead of "The problem needs "a certain attention"", consider "The problem needs attention".

What can I say instead of "a certain attention" to convey a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives like "specific focus", "particular consideration", or "special emphasis" depending on the nuance you want to convey.