attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"attention" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as to request or command attention. For example, "Please pay attention to the instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This woman is nothing more than an attention seeker who does not deserve to be a celebrity".

The Guardian

That doesn't mean getting out of print, but it does require a greater focus of attention, imagination and resource on the various forms that digital future is likely to take".

The Guardian

"This case has raised attention around the world, with particular concern around Mr Hill's intellectual disability," said Annabelle Malins, the British consul general.

The Guardian

They are advocating for a mechanism to end war with more attention to a perpetrator not victims.

The Guardian

Anelay said: "The government believes the most effective way to prevent refugees and migrants attempting this dangerous crossing is to focus our attention on countries of origin and transit, as well as taking steps to fight the people smugglers who wilfully put lives at risk by packing migrants into unseaworthy boats".

The Guardian

A healthy "attention span" becomes just another ineffable quality to remember having, to believe you've lost, to worry about your kids lacking, to blame the culture for destroying.

The New York Times - Magazine

We would look at German Burda [a pattern and fashion] magazine together and discuss what looked nice – and because my mum had that attitude and payed attention to fashion, I think something stayed with me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Derided as a buffoonish figure of fun for attempting to keep dry while his England team failed to qualify for Euro 2008, McClaren is currently attracting far less media attention for steering Derby County to fourth from 14th in the Championship after a run of just two defeats in 15 matches since he replaced Nigel Clough in September.

The Guardian - Sport

No. Jumping on the bandwagon and maximising media attention?

The Guardian

Instead the focus of everyone's attention was left to congratulate himself on his decision-making – "It was about the substitutes," Van Gaal volunteered – on an evening when the only real downside for United was the injury bulletin about Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Antonio Valencia.

The Guardian - Sport

A precociously gifted student, Schiele soon attracted the attention of Gustav Klimt, the pre-eminent artist of the Secession movement – an artistic revolution that covered many art forms, all driven by the basic aim of rejecting Beaux-Arts classicism and stuffy Salon mediocrity.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attention", consider the specific context to ensure you're conveying the intended meaning, whether it's mental focus, care, or romantic interest.

Common error

Ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to mental focus, concern, or alertness. Using more specific phrasing can prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "attention" is as a noun, referring to the mental focus, concern, or alertness directed towards something. Ludwig examples showcase its role in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "attention" functions primarily as a noun, denoting mental focus, concern, or alertness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility across numerous contexts. It is very commonly used, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discourse. When using "attention", be mindful of the specific context to avoid ambiguity and ensure the intended meaning is clear. Related phrases include "mental focus", "careful consideration", and "close observation", each offering subtle nuances. By understanding its diverse applications and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "attention" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Concentration

Focuses on the act of concentrating one's attention on a specific task.

Mental focus

Highlights the cognitive aspect of attention, emphasizing concentration.

Close observation

Focuses on the act of observing something with great attention to detail.

Careful consideration

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and deliberation involved in paying attention.

Mindfulness

Implies a state of active, open attention on the present.

Alertness

Suggests a state of vigilance and readiness to notice something.

Vigilance

Emphasizes watchfulness and attentiveness to potential danger or problems.

Heed

Implies paying attention to advice or a warning.

Scrutiny

Implies a thorough and critical examination.

Regard

Suggests holding something in consideration or esteem.

FAQs

How can I use "attention" in a sentence?

You can use "attention" to refer to mental focus (e.g., "Please give me your attention"), concern (e.g., "He showed her a lot of attention"), or a state of alertness (e.g., "Stand at attention").

What are some synonyms for "attention"?

Synonyms for "attention" include "focus", "care", "consideration", and "heed" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what kind of "attention" you mean?

While not always necessary, specifying the type of "attention" can enhance clarity. For example, "pay close attention" emphasizes focus, while "medical attention" implies care.

What is the difference between "attention" and "attentiveness"?

"Attention" refers to the act of focusing or caring, while "attentiveness" is the quality of being alert and observant. "Attentiveness" is a characteristic, while "attention" is an action or state.