attention was diverted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attention was diverted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone's focus or concentration has shifted away from something. Example: "During the presentation, attention was diverted by a sudden loud noise outside the window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

And then our attention was diverted elsewhere.

Cornell University

But his attention was diverted by a movement behind him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Britain backed off only when its attention was diverted by the Boer War in South Africa.

The New York Times

John's attention was diverted and his prestige disastrously affected by relations with the papacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Saints' names replaced girls' names on the tickets, and attention was diverted to divine love.

The Guardian - Books

In August, the life seemed to go out of the peace process as the Administration's attention was diverted by Iraq.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Your attention is diverted almost immediately and then diverted again.

The New York Times

Then there is a promise -- until your attention is diverted again.

The New York Times

Hands-free phone chatting is dangerous as the driver's attention is diverted from the road.

The New York Times

But what happens to children when their parents' attention is diverted away from them and is focused on their phones?

University of California, Berkeley

The more law-abiding people who are flagged in error, the more attention is diverted from dangerous people.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attention was diverted" to clearly indicate a shift in focus due to an external influence or a change in priorities. This phrase is effective in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "attention was diverted" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing passive voice. In some cases, active voice can make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "attention was diverted by the noise", consider "the noise diverted attention".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attention was diverted" functions as a passive construction, where 'attention' is the subject receiving the action of being diverted. This grammatical structure is used to emphasize where the attention ended up, rather than who or what caused the diversion. Ludwig confirms that this is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attention was diverted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that describes a shift in focus. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is accurate and usable. It is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and encyclopedia sources, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, writers should be mindful of the potential for overuse of the passive voice and consider whether an active construction might be more effective. Alternative phrases like "focus was redirected" or "interest was drawn elsewhere" may also be appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus was redirected

Emphasizes a deliberate change in focus.

focus was shifted

Suggests a movement of focus from one thing to another.

mind was turned away

Indicates a mental shift away from something.

interest was drawn elsewhere

Highlights the attraction of interest to a different subject.

thoughts were redirected

Focuses on the change in thought patterns.

priority was changed

Highlights a change in what is most important.

resources were reallocated

Emphasizes the redistribution of resources.

emphasis was moved

Indicates a change in what is emphasized.

energies were channeled elsewhere

Focuses on the redirection of effort and energy.

consideration was given to something else

Suggests a deliberate act of considering a different topic.

FAQs

How can I use "attention was diverted" in a sentence?

You can use "attention was diverted" to describe a situation where someone's focus shifted from one thing to another. For example, "The speaker's "attention was diverted" by a question from the audience".

What are some alternatives to "attention was diverted"?

Alternatives include "focus was redirected", "focus was shifted", or "interest was drawn elsewhere". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "attention was diverted"?

While "attention was diverted" is in the passive voice, using the active voice can sometimes create a more direct and engaging sentence. For example, instead of "attention was diverted by the noise", you could say "the noise diverted attention".

What is the difference between "attention was diverted" and "attention was distracted"?

While both phrases imply a shift in focus, "attention was diverted" suggests a more significant change or redirection, while "attention was distracted" implies a brief or temporary interruption. Consider the strength of the shift when choosing between the two.