attention wanes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attention wanes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone's focus or interest diminishes over time. Example: "As the lecture progressed, it became clear that the audience's attention wanes, and many began to look at their phones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Public attention wanes, once the games begin before the sun even sets.

The New Yorker

Sam loves it but after half an hour or so, Ben and Joe's attention wanes and the three of us head back to the cabin.

The Guardian - Travel

Predictably, Dennison's attention wanes dramatically after Vita, Harold and their two sons move to Sissinghurst Castle in 1930, the purchase of which did not go down terribly well with some of their friends (Harold's lover, Raymond Mortimer, thought it "a gloomy place in hideous flat country, with commonplace cottages and no view").

The Guardian - Books

Google needs to move quickly to capitalize on the window of opportunity it has with mainstream groups such as moms, the firm concludes, before their attention wanes even further.

TechCrunch

Once attention wanes, however, so does giving. .

Huffington Post

If you deem something not to have a mind, then your attention wanes.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Yet the kitchen's attention waned when it came to other courses.

The New York Times

Hey, he has stopped pressuring me for sex when I'm tired -- is his attention waning?

The New York Times - Magazine

But as her eyes glazed over and her attention waned, I felt my words were falling on deaf ears.

The New York Times

Pacing lagged, attention waned and walk-outs were audible during the long (if beautifully shaped) cor anglais solos.

The Guardian

But Mr. Daly was also a husband and a father, and long after the public attention waned, his wife and their three children were still coping with their grief.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attention wanes" to describe a gradual decline in focus or interest over time, particularly when discussing trends, audience engagement, or personal focus. The expression is more formal and suitable when describing a gradual lessening rather than a sudden loss of attention.

Common error

Avoid using "attention wanes" in very informal or casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "people lost interest" or "they stopped paying attention" are often more appropriate for everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attention wanes" functions as a statement describing a gradual decrease in focus or interest. As Ludwig suggests, it is used to indicate a decline in the level of engagement or vigilance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attention wanes" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a gradual decline in focus or interest. Ludwig AI confirms this, and its examples demonstrate usage across news media, scientific contexts, and formal business settings. While not the most common phrase, it offers a nuanced and somewhat formal way to express a reduction in engagement, making it suitable for objective assessments and descriptions. Simpler alternatives are preferable in casual contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of its formality and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus diminishes

Emphasizes the reduction in the ability to concentrate.

interest declines

Highlights the decreasing level of engagement or enthusiasm.

focus fades

Suggests a gradual loss of concentration.

interest flags

Implies a weakening of interest or enthusiasm.

engagement decreases

Focuses on the reduction of active participation or involvement.

enthusiasm diminishes

Highlights the reduction of excitement or passion.

concentration lapses

Emphasizes temporary loss of focus

vigilance decreases

Highlights decline in alertness or watchfulness.

awareness declines

Highlights loss of attention to relevant stimuli

interest ebbs

Suggests a gradual decline or reduction of interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "attention wanes" to describe a gradual decline in focus or interest. For example, "As the presentation continued, the audience's "attention wanes".

What's a simpler way to say "attention wanes"?

Alternatives include "focus diminishes", "interest declines", or "interest fades", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "attention is waning"?

Yes, "attention is waning" is a grammatically correct and commonly used variant. It implies a process that is currently happening. For example, "Public attention is waning after the initial excitement.

What's the difference between "attention wanes" and "interest fades"?

"Attention wanes" often refers to a general decrease in focus, while "interest fades" specifically refers to a decline in enthusiasm or engagement. They are often interchangeable, but "attention wanes" might be used in more formal contexts.