attract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attract" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the action of drawing someone or something towards oneself or to evoke interest or attention. Example: "The bright colors of the flowers attract many bees and butterflies to the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your job is to think about how those communities can start creating new clusters so that they can attract new businesses.

The New York Times

Related: Museums at Night 2015 – a weekend of nocturnal activities "The idea has always been to get institutions to think about doing something different with their venues and different ways to attract audiences they wouldn't usually reach," said Nick Stockman, the festival campaign manager.

The Guardian

So we must attract leaders who will take the right approach to delivering care for the future.

The Guardian

But while Great Casterton (population 365) can attract up to 50 for a Sunday morning service, its little sibling generally hosts around a dozen.

The Guardian

Rather than "aping the left", Ukip could attract voters by setting itself up as the party of the people rather than one that defends big corporations, he said.

The Guardian

He agreed that retaining talent helps to attract talent, but added that it was important to "refresh" the organisation: "Loss of talent can be reinvigorating… it should be seen as a positive step".

The Guardian

Such regular payments would also not attract inheritance tax.

The Guardian - Money

"We wanted to start commissioning scripts that would stand up next to the movies but allow us to attract a new audience," explains Joel Stillerman, senior vice president of original production at AMC. "We want to shoot drama cinematically, and tell big screen storylines but over a number of hours.

The Guardian

Vilove4 For whale watching trips from June to December, head to Puerto Madryn, where the warmer waters of the Golfo San José attract more species.

The Guardian - Travel

It is still the case that a child eligible for free school meals in one part of the country can attract almost twice as much money as in another.

The Guardian

In particular, they seek to attract young doctors who want to work in a dynamic organisation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attract" when you want to emphasize the power of something to draw interest, attention, or physical movement towards it. Consider using synonyms like "draw in" or "appeal to" for nuanced meanings.

Common error

While "attract" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Vary your vocabulary by using more precise synonyms such as "garner", "elicit", or "solicit" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "attract" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of drawing something towards oneself, whether physically or metaphorically. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts ranging from magnets attracting metal to advertisements attracting customers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "attract" is a versatile transitive verb, widely used to describe the act of drawing something closer, whether physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and its use is common across various contexts, especially in news and media. Key synonyms include "draw in" and "appeal to". While its a widely used verb, avoid overusing "attract" in formal contexts, exploring synonyms like "garner" or "elicit" for more specific nuances. The phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for academic, business, and general communication, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw in

Focuses more on the physical action of pulling something or someone inward.

appeal to

Emphasizes the act of being pleasing or interesting to someone.

draw

A more general term for causing someone or something to move closer.

pull in

Focuses on the effort to bring something or someone into a specific place or situation.

lure

Suggests a tempting or enticing quality that draws someone in, often with a deceptive connotation.

entice

Highlights the act of persuading or tempting someone to do something.

allure

Stresses the charming or fascinating quality that draws someone in.

win over

Emphasizes the act of gaining someone's support or affection.

captivate

Suggests holding someone's attention or interest completely.

charm

Highlights the use of pleasant qualities to attract or influence someone.

FAQs

How can I use "attract" in a sentence?

You can use "attract" to describe drawing something physically closer, like "Magnets attract metal", or to describe gaining interest, like "Advertisements attract customers".

What words can I use instead of "attract"?

You can use alternatives like "draw in", "appeal to", or "lure", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "attract to" or "attract someone"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Attract someone" is direct, while "attract someone to something" specifies what they are being drawn towards.

What's the difference between "attract" and "seduce"?

"Attract" implies drawing someone or something towards you in a general sense, while "seduce" suggests a more deliberate and often manipulative process of enticing someone.