an object of attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an object of attention" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to something or someone that receives a lot of focus or consideration from others. Example: "Her bright red dress was an object of attention at the fancy party, drawing the eyes of all the guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I am used to having my body be an object of attention.

The New York Times

Classic snap-through of curved beams, plates, and shells has long been an object of attention in structural engineering.

International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics

From the time her first play, "Blasted," leaped onto the stage of the Royal Court's tiny Theater Upstairs in 1995, Ms. Kane was an object of attention, debate and -- among her colleagues and the critics -- growing admiration.

The New York Times

In his book Where The Action Is, computer scientist Paul Dourish invokes Martin Heidegger (yikes!) to explain the difference between technology that "gets out of the way" and technology that becomes an object of attention unto itself.

MIT Technology Review

Wells's experience was that "every dish of mine was an object of attention and worry before it got to me"—he often has a slower meal than other diners do, because dishes get done again and again until they are deemed exemplary.

The New Yorker

In the midst of a victory tour after winning the 2013 Man Booker Prize for her second novel, "The Luminaries," Ms. Catton had not yet fully adjusted to being an object of attention, or even to being allowed to stay in a fancy hotel, as she described it.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Few famine survivors with clear memories of the tragedy remain, so the bright-eyed Ms. Kira has necessarily become an object of much attention.

The New York Times

The people generally could only know & vote for some Citizen whose merits had rendered him an object of general attention & esteem.

The New Yorker

It's different with Natascha Kampusch, who has become a prominent figure in the Austrian media: the danger of rebuilding your identity in the limelight is that you learn to define yourself as an object of public attention.

The Guardian

No closely related fungus species are known to be toxic, but the cotton-like fibrous structure and smell of radishes probably rule this out as an object of culinary attention.

The Guardian

The deal was to give BP access to the Kara Sea, one of the icy backwaters of the Arctic Ocean that has recently become an object of keen attention by the international energy industry as a new oil frontier.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an object of attention" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is receiving significant notice or scrutiny. It's more formal than saying 'someone noticed it'.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice when using "an object of attention". Instead of "The bill was made an object of attention by the media", consider "The media made the bill an object of attention" for a more direct and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an object of attention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase denotes something or someone that is receiving significant focus.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an object of attention" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase that refers to something or someone receiving significant notice or scrutiny. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often found in journalistic, scientific, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "a focal point" or "the center of attraction" exist, "an object of attention" carries a slightly more formal and objective tone. When employing this phrase, consider whether the emphasis is on the simple act of being noticed or whether curiosity or intrigue is also implied. As such, avoid overusing passive voice to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the center of attraction

This phrase denotes the primary thing or person that everyone wants to see or interact with.

something in the spotlight

This idiom suggests high visibility and public attention.

a focal point

This alternative emphasizes the central element that draws the eye or interest.

a point of focus

It suggests that something is being deliberately looked at or thought about.

a subject of interest

This highlights that the item or person evokes curiosity or concern.

a prominent feature

This suggests that something stands out and is easily noticeable.

a thing of note

Similar to noteworthy item, highlighting importance and worthiness of recognition.

a noteworthy item

This emphasizes the remarkable nature of something that merits attention.

the focus of scrutiny

This alternative means something is being closely examined or observed.

a matter of concern

This implies that something requires attention due to its importance or potential negative impact.

FAQs

How can I use "an object of attention" in a sentence?

You can use "an object of attention" to describe something or someone that is receiving a lot of focus. For instance, "The new sculpture in the park quickly became an object of attention".

What are some alternatives to "an object of attention"?

Some alternatives include "a focal point", "the center of attraction", or "a subject of interest", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "an object of attention" or "subject of attention"?

"An object of attention" and "subject of attention" are both grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the thing ('object') or the person/topic ('subject') receiving the attention.

What's the difference between "an object of attention" and "an object of interest"?

"An object of attention" simply means something is being noticed, while "an object of interest" implies that there is curiosity or intrigue associated with the attention. Something can be an object of attention without being particularly interesting.