Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

attentive means

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attentive means" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe methods or ways of being attentive, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "In order to improve our communication, we need to explore what attentive means in our interactions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In corroboration to this idea seems reasonable to bring in mind that the N100 component can be elicited by 'pre-attentive' means [ 28].

Mr Zoellick is attentive to means: charting a path, however circuitous, to his destination.

News & Media

The Economist

Attentive eating means eating devoid of distraction and increasing awareness and memory for food being consumed.

To exclude additional neuropsychological deficits that could preclude the treatment, we also assessed attention by means of attentive matrices and nonverbal intelligence, by means of Raven's progressive matrices.

Mr. Tibbs continued to keep a vigil at Kevin's side, often reading to the boy from the Bible, and delighting in his belief that his son's smile and attentive gaze meant that he understood the words.

News & Media

The New York Times

It means smart, attentive policing and unifying a community.

News & Media

The New York Times

Respecting it means being attentive to the life that somehow flourishes there.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Thus, keeping vigil means being attentive and watching.

The young staff is attentive and makes a mean breakfast.

I would like my boyfriend to be more attentive, by which I mean that he should e-mail me fun videos of baby goats in pajamas, just in case I'm feeling blue or studying too hard.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Second, be more attentive to nationalism -- that means we should avoid privatization (even though it's a good idea) because Iraqis will suspect us of stealing their assets.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "attentiveness", clarify whether you are referring to a state of mind, a behavior, or a quality. Replace the phrase "attentive means" with alternatives like "ways to be attentive" or "methods of attentiveness" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "attentive" as a direct substitute for "attentiveness". "Attentive" is an adjective; "attentiveness" is a noun. Frame your sentences to reflect this distinction (e.g., instead of "attentive means", use "attentiveness involves").

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attentive means" primarily functions as an attempt to define or explain the state of being attentive. However, it is not a grammatically sound construction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it lacks clarity and context, and is better replaced by phrases that explicitly state methods or ways of being attentive.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attentive means" is not a conventional or clear way to express the concept of attentiveness. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically suspect and lacks context. To improve clarity, consider using alternatives like "ways to be attentive" or "methods of attentiveness". While not inherently formal, the phrase's imprecision makes it unsuitable for formal writing. Remember that "attentive" is an adjective, while "attentiveness" is a noun, and structure your sentences accordingly. Overall, while the intent may be to clarify the concept of attentiveness, more precise phrasing is recommended.

FAQs

How can I use "attentive" in a sentence?

Use "attentive" as an adjective to describe someone who is paying attention. For instance, "The student was very attentive during the lecture."

What are some alternative ways to describe how someone is attentive?

Instead of saying someone is simply "attentive", you could say they are "focused", "observant", or "mindful", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "attentive means"?

While not grammatically incorrect, the phrase "attentive means" is vague and lacks clarity. It's better to use phrases like "ways to be attentive" or "attentiveness involves".

What does it mean to be an "attentive listener"?

Being an "attentive listener" means that you are fully engaged with the speaker, showing them that you are /s/actively+listening. This involves paying attention, making eye contact, and responding thoughtfully.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: