be attentive

USAGE SUMMARY

"be attentive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to encourage someone to pay close attention to something. For example: "Be attentive while I explain the new rules to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When children call adults immature, we must be attentive.

The Guardian - Opinion

I would really.... be attentive to the positive and just be aware of the negative.

BMC Family Practice

This will help you be attentive.

WikiHow

Physicians should to be attentive to these consequences and provide attention and supportive care.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Be attentive, be charming.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Express interest and be attentive.

Columbia University

Ms Smethurst urges parents to be attentive.

Independent

Practice focused listening: be attentive, patient, nonjudgmental.

Harvard Business Review

Be attentive ("Take the experiment seriously").

University of California, Berkeley

They'll need to be attentive, though.

The New York Times - Books

Diet, I always try to be attentive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be attentive" in instructions, clearly state what the subject should be attentive to. For example, "Be attentive to the patient's vital signs."

Common error

Avoid using "be attentive" without clearly specifying what needs attention. Instead of saying "Be attentive during the meeting", say "Be attentive to the speaker's key points during the meeting" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

"Be attentive" functions as an imperative phrase, urging someone to focus their attention. Ludwig examples show it used across diverse contexts, reinforcing its versatility in directing focus or care.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

29%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be attentive" is a versatile and frequently used imperative phrase that instructs someone to pay close attention. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, from formal news reports to informal wiki articles. While "be attentive" is generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to specify what the subject should focus on for clarity. Alternatives such as "pay attention" or "be observant" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With a wealth of examples available, Ludwig provides ample evidence of its widespread usage and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay attention

A more general term for focusing one's awareness.

be observant

Focuses on noticing details and subtleties.

be heedful

Similar to attentive, but may imply a sense of caution.

be vigilant

Implies watching out for potential danger or problems.

be focused

Highlights concentration and avoiding distractions.

be mindful

Emphasizes a present-moment awareness of thoughts and feelings.

keep an eye on

Suggests monitoring something or someone closely.

be sharp

Suggests mental alertness and quickness.

take note

Implies paying attention in order to remember something.

be all ears

An informal way of saying you are ready and willing to listen.

FAQs

What does "be attentive" mean?

"Be attentive" means to pay close attention, be observant, and show careful consideration to something or someone.

How can I use "be attentive" in a sentence?

You can use "be attentive" to instruct or advise someone to pay attention. For instance, "Be attentive during the presentation" or "Be attentive to your surroundings."

What are some alternative ways to say "be attentive"?

Alternatives include "pay attention", "be observant", or "be mindful", depending on the context.

Is "be attentive" formal or informal?

"Be attentive" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, more formal alternatives like "give your attention to" may be preferable in highly formal contexts.