be very attentive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be very attentive" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when advising someone to pay close attention or to be alert in a particular situation. Example: "During the presentation, please be very attentive to the speaker's points." Alternative expressions include "be highly observant" and "be extremely focused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"We will have to be very attentive and stay focused".

Independent

That's an area where we've got to be very attentive.

The Guardian - Sport

Fifa, of course, will be very attentive when it comes to the draw.

The Guardian - Sport

You have to stick close to him and be very attentive.

The Guardian - Sport

But seniors are a group thought to be very attentive to such advertising efforts.

The New York Times

That's an area where we've got to be very attentive," Howman said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"He's very attentive.

The New York Times - Sports

Service is very attentive.

The New York Times - Travel

He was very attentive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The girls are very attentive".

The New Yorker

You've been very attentive.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase in professional or instructional writing to convey the importance of diligence and careful observation.

Common error

Do not use "be very attentive" when you mean someone wants to be noticed. The former means paying attention to others or surroundings, while "attention-seeking" means wanting others to pay attention to you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very attentive" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, often used within imperative sentences or infinitive clauses. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to define a necessary state of being characterized by high concentration and vigilance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be very attentive" is a standard and effective English expression used to emphasize a state of extreme focus. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most prevalent in high-quality journalism and instructional guides, highlighting its reliability in both professional and general contexts. It is grammatically sound as a copula verb followed by an intensified adjective. To use it most effectively, writers should follow it with the preposition "to" when identifying a specific target of focus. Whether in a scientific report or a lifestyle article, "be very attentive" remains a clear, professional and authoritative choice for advocating vigilance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be highly attentive

Uses a more formal intensifier than 'very'.

be really attentive

A more informal, conversational intensifier.

pay close attention

A common idiomatic verb phrase with the same meaning.

be extremely observant

Focuses specifically on visual or sensory detection of details.

be particularly mindful

Suggests a thoughtful or careful awareness.

remain highly vigilant

Implies a sustained state of alertness against potential risks.

be acutely aware

Emphasizes a sharp, intense level of perception.

be intensely focused

Highlights the concentration of mental energy.

stay focused

A simpler directive focusing on maintaining concentration.

be strictly attentive

Adds a sense of requirement or formal discipline to the focus.

FAQs

How to use "be very attentive" in a sentence?

You can use "be very attentive" as a piece of advice or a requirement, for example: "To succeed in this role, you must "be very attentive to detail"."

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

Depending on your context, you could say "be highly attentive", "pay close attention", or "be extremely observant".

Is it "be very attentive to" or "be very attentive for"?

The most common and correct preposition is "to". You should almost always say "be very attentive to" followed by the object of focus.

What is the difference between "be very attentive" and "be very observant"?

While similar, "be very observant" specifically emphasizes noticing things with your eyes or senses, whereas "be very attentive" refers to a more general mental focus or readiness.