attentive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attentive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is paying close attention or is considerate and focused on the needs of others. Example: "The teacher was very attentive to her students' questions, ensuring that everyone understood the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IN THE eyes of most westerners, whose own brats tend to be free-range and attention-seeking, Japanese school children are a quiet and attentive lot.

The Economist

In this context, stores such as Wasswa's − with its quick turnaround, attentive staff and fully-stocked shelves − offer an appealing alternative.

The Guardian

Jak, dark-haired and dark-eyed, was attentive and kind at first, despite the language barrier which meant that neither of them could communicate beyond a few words.

The Guardian

Fifa, of course, will be very attentive when it comes to the draw.

The Guardian - Sport

A government as keen as Tony Blair's on involving firms in public services will have to be extraordinarily attentive to the corporate names on the donor list.

The Guardian

Far from the indifference you'll encounter elsewhere, the waiting staff here are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about their menu.

The Guardian - Travel

As he recalled, O'Malley "taught me to be more attentive... and responsive to the needs of Baltimore".

The Guardian

Quiet and attentive, she was someone you'd be ashamed to show off in front of, and you'd feel safe with her (although there was actually nowhere to hide).

The Guardian - Arts

Rudd is looking very attentive, bolt upright in his seat, clutching his bible.

The Guardian

"They were, as I recall, very attentive and active participants," Choson Exchange director Andray Abrahamian told NK News.

The Guardian

We're being forced to do so now only because of Steve Jobs," with the media more attentive to police brutality thanks to video, tweets and hashtags that quickly put faces on questionable tactics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attentive" when you want to emphasize someone's focus and care in listening, observing, or responding to needs. For example, describe a waiter as "attentive" to highlight their excellent service.

Common error

Avoid using "attentive" to describe inanimate objects or situations that cannot actively pay attention. For example, it is incorrect to say "the room was attentive to the speaker"; instead, say "the audience was attentive to the speaker".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "attentive" primarily functions to describe a quality of a person or entity, indicating their state of focused awareness, observation, or responsiveness. According to Ludwig AI, this is both correct and usable in written English. Examples confirm its role in characterizing individuals or groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attentive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective that describes a state of focused awareness and responsiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media contexts, where it highlights positive qualities of focus and care. To improve your writing, use "attentive" to emphasize someone's focus and care, but avoid using it to describe inanimate objects. Consider alternatives like "observant", "heedful", or "mindful" to add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observant

Focuses on the act of noticing details and being aware of surroundings.

heedful

Implies paying close attention and taking something into consideration.

mindful

Emphasizes being conscious and aware of something.

vigilant

Suggests being watchful and alert to potential dangers or problems.

considerate

Highlights being thoughtful and empathetic towards others' needs.

thoughtful

Stresses careful consideration and reflection.

careful

Implies caution and attention to avoid mistakes or problems.

alert

Highlights being quick to notice and respond to something.

diligent

Focuses on being persistent and thorough in one's attention.

receptive

Emphasizes being open and responsive to new ideas or information.

FAQs

How can I use "attentive" in a sentence?

"Attentive" describes someone who is paying close attention. For example: "She was an "attentive" listener" or "The staff were "attentive" to our needs".

What's a good synonym for "attentive"?

Alternatives to "attentive" include "observant", "heedful", or "mindful", each emphasizing different aspects of paying attention.

Is it correct to say someone is "attentive to details"?

Yes, "attentive to details" is a correct and common usage. It means someone pays close attention to small aspects and nuances.

What's the difference between "attentive" and "inattentive"?

"Attentive" means paying attention, while "inattentive" is its direct opposite, meaning not paying attention or being distracted.