be more attentive

USAGE SUMMARY

"be more attentive" is a perfectly valid sentence and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as an admonishment or command, as in "Please be more attentive in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But today everything is O.K". "Probably my attention to this department also allowed him to be more attentive," he said.

The New York Times

You have to be more attentive".

The New York Times

She says, 'Be more attentive to other people.

The Economist

Private instructors tend to be more attentive, fun and charming.

The Guardian - Travel

It also forces the students to be more attentive to punctuation and syntax.

The New York Times - Tech

We're going to have to be more attentive to data than we were in 2004-2006.

The Washington Post

This – and some meditation and relaxation exercises – allowed him to be more attentive to his family.

The Guardian

Ms. Norton, who says she intends to be more attentive to local interests, complied.

The New York Times

"Certainly, in an election year, all legislators seem to be more attentive".

The New York Times

"I think libraries will be more attentive because they will have to be.

The New York Times

And Dr. Oehler advised owners to be more attentive to their pets' health in general.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In persuasive writing, use "be more attentive" to highlight a missed opportunity or a potential oversight. For example, "If we are to succeed, we need to be more attentive to market trends".

Common error

Avoid using "be more attentive" as a generic suggestion without specifying what the focus of attention should be. Overly broad advice can be unhelpful and may come across as condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more attentive" functions primarily as an imperative, giving a command or instruction. Ludwig examples show it used to advise or encourage someone to pay closer attention, indicating a desired change in behavior. The phrase directs someone to focus better on something specific.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be more attentive" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative phrase used to advise or instruct someone to focus better and show greater care. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to specify the object of attention to make the advice more actionable and avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "pay closer attention" or "be more vigilant" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay closer attention

Focuses on the act of directing one's attention more deliberately.

be more observant

Highlights the act of noticing details that might otherwise be missed.

be more vigilant

Implies a need for watchfulness, especially against potential dangers or problems.

be more aware

Emphasizes a broader understanding and consciousness of surroundings or situations.

show more consideration

Shifts the focus to being thoughtful and understanding towards others' needs and feelings.

be more focused

Highlights concentration and minimizing distractions.

keep a closer watch

Suggests monitoring something carefully.

lend a more careful ear

Implies listening with greater intent and discernment.

be more perceptive

Focuses on understanding or interpreting things accurately and quickly.

exercise greater mindfulness

Highlights the importance of being present and fully engaged in the moment.

FAQs

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

You can use "be more attentive" as a direct instruction or suggestion, such as "Please "pay closer attention" during the presentation" or "To avoid mistakes, "be more observant" of the details".

What are some alternatives to saying "be more attentive"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "pay closer attention", "be more vigilant", or "be more aware" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be more attentive"?

It's appropriate to use "be more attentive" when you want to encourage someone to focus better, notice details, or show greater care in a particular situation. Consider the specific context to choose the most suitable expression.

What's the difference between "be more attentive" and ""be more aware""?

"Be more attentive" generally implies focusing on specific details or tasks, while ""be more aware"" suggests a broader consciousness of the surrounding environment or situation. The best choice depends on the specific situation.