be attentive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be attentive to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to pay close attention to something or someone. Example: "In order to succeed in this course, you must be attentive to the details provided in the syllabus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Be attentive to the elderly, to children, to Holocaust survivors.

The Economist

We need these moments, and we need to be attentive to them.

The New York Times

Isn't it better to be attentive to what is and will be happening?

The New York Times

There is no better use of a life than to be attentive to such needs.

The New York Times

There's a truth in horseshoe crabs that we must be attentive to.

The New Yorker

My study is to be attentive, to please and to praise.

The New York Times

Others say that Harvard is making concerted and prominent efforts to be attentive to undergraduate women.

The New York Times

I want students to be attentive to how discourse (understood broadly) works.

Yale University

Be attentive to page limits, and be certain to send the number of copies requested.

Cornell University

And we need to be attentive to that when it becomes relevant.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be attentive to" when you want to emphasize the importance of paying close attention to something, whether it's details, people's needs, or potential risks. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, adding a layer of sophistication to your advice or instructions.

Common error

While "be attentive to" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations where simpler phrases like "pay attention" or "watch out for" might sound more natural. Choose the phrasing that best matches the tone and audience of your communication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be attentive to" is to act as an imperative verb phrase. It instructs or advises someone to pay close attention to something. Ludwig examples confirm that it is often used to emphasize vigilance or careful observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be attentive to" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of paying close attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, from news and media to academia and science. While it leans towards a neutral or professional register, simpler alternatives may be preferred in very informal settings. The phrase encourages vigilance and careful observation, and its effective use can enhance the clarity and sophistication of your communication. Consider using synonyms such as ""pay attention to"" or ""be mindful of"" for slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay attention to

Replaces "be" with "pay", focusing on the action of giving attention.

be mindful of

Substitutes "attentive" with "mindful", highlighting awareness and consideration.

be aware of

Emphasizes knowing and perceiving something.

keep an eye on

An idiomatic alternative suggesting vigilance.

take notice of

Highlights the act of observing and acknowledging something.

be vigilant about

Focuses on being watchful and cautious.

be sensitive to

Indicates understanding and responding to feelings or needs.

be perceptive of

Highlights keen observation and insight.

give consideration to

Emphasizes careful thought and evaluation.

bear in mind

Suggests remembering and taking something into account.

FAQs

What does "be attentive to" mean?

The phrase "be attentive to" means to pay close and careful attention to something or someone, indicating a state of watchfulness and awareness.

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

You can use "be attentive to" to advise someone to pay attention, for example: "When driving, "be attentive to" the road conditions".

What can I say instead of "be attentive to"?

You can use alternatives like "pay attention to", "be mindful of", or "be aware of" depending on the context.

Is "be attentive to" formal or informal?

"Be attentive to" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it leans slightly towards formal due to its precise and sophisticated tone. Simpler alternatives are more common in very casual settings.