attentively

USAGE SUMMARY

'attentively' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who is paying close attention to something or someone. Example Sentence: She listened attentively as the guest speaker explained the details of the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Art historian Claudia Kinmonth points out that the boy "listening attentively in the centre wears green, a colour symbolic of Fenianism".

The Guardian

The Welsh debate's more practical focus, and in particular its attention to federalist or quasi-federalist options for Wales within the UK, ought to be followed much more attentively in England, where many of the same issues apply.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tom speaks softly, listens attentively, and eventually the man finds the words: "I just need a few days away.

The Guardian

Whereas Mr Gadonneix seems to have resisted orders from the state, Mr Proglio is a friend of Nicolas Sarkozy, France's president, and is expected to listen more attentively to his biggest shareholder.Mr Gadonneix badly wanted to stay on to see through EDF's international expansion.

The Economist

For two days of procedural hearings the 66-year-old Christian convert sat attentively.

The Economist

In a damp and flimsy shack in Salas, a settlement of muddy lanes and foul streams on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Ramon Gallardo and his neighbours listen attentively to staff from TECHO, a housing charity.

The Economist

And if the vets fail, politicians will weigh in soon enough to say a truly weasel position this one that even if the beef is safe, it arouses public fears, which should be listened to as attentively as the scientists are.

The Economist

Yet Michelin has seen off the competition, thanks in part to listening more attentively to some 120,000 diners' comments a year.

The Economist

Mr Gladwell discusses a dyslexic man from rural Illinois named David Boies, who learned to compensate for his poor reading abilities by listening attentively and thinking quickly good skills for a trial lawyer.

The Economist

When she arrived to open the exhibition, it was to a dazzle of flash photography and the crush of an adoring throng.Elsewhere, in a cramped suburban house, under a huge picture of Miss Suu Kyi, two dozen young people listen attentively to a lecture on their civic responsibilities.

The Economist

As in other well-run parts of India, such as Kerala, the threat of being kicked out of office encourages politicians to listen more attentively to voters.With other state elections looming, BJP policies are not as clear as they once were.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attentively" to describe someone's active and engaged listening or observation. This adds a sense of purpose and focus to the action.

Common error

Avoid using "attentively" to describe actions that are inherently passive or unintentional. "Attentively" implies a deliberate focus, so it's not suitable for situations where attention is lacking or involuntary.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "attentively" modifies verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It emphasizes focus and engagement, as Ludwig indicates that it describes someone paying close attention. Examples show its use with verbs like 'listen', 'sit', and 'watch'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "attentively" signifies performing an action with focused attention and engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and frequently used word in written English. It appears most commonly in news and media, with other examples from encyclopedias and science. To enhance clarity, consider context-specific alternatives like "intently" or "carefully". Remember to avoid using "attentively" with passive actions, and ensure it aligns with the deliberate focus you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intently

Focuses on the degree of concentration and purposefulness in attention.

with rapt attention

Emphasizes being completely engrossed and fascinated while paying attention.

carefully

Emphasizes caution and precision in observation or action, rather than pure focus.

with focus

Highlights directing one's mental powers to a specific point.

closely

Highlights proximity in observation, suggesting a detailed examination.

observantly

Stresses the act of noticing and being aware of details.

heedfully

Implies paying attention with the intention of following advice or instructions.

earnestly

Conveys sincerity and seriousness in giving attention.

mindfully

Suggests a conscious and thoughtful awareness.

vigilantly

Indicates a state of watchfulness and alertness.

FAQs

How can I use "attentively" in a sentence?

Use "attentively" to describe someone listening or observing with focus and engagement. For example, "She listened "attentively" as the speaker explained the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "attentively"?

Depending on the context, consider using "intently", "carefully", or "closely" as alternatives to "attentively".

Is it correct to say someone is "attentively ignoring" something?

No, "attentively ignoring" creates a contradiction. "Attentively" implies paying close attention, while ignoring means disregarding. It's better to say someone is deliberately ignoring something.

What's the difference between "attentively" and "carefully"?

"Attentively" suggests focused listening or observation, while "carefully" implies caution and precision. You listen "attentively" to a lecture, but you handle fragile items "carefully".