became attentive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became attentive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a change in someone's state of awareness or focus, often in response to a stimulus or situation. Example: "As the lecture progressed, the students became attentive, eager to absorb the information being presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

By the ability for Robot to warn Target at the appropriate distance that was adjusted by adding a distance related to a reflection time based on the attentiveness of Target, the inattentive Target could notice Robot approaching and became attentive.

ROBOMECH Journal

In his worldwide travels, Mr. Hinckley became attentive to the needs of church members in developing countries.

The New York Times

When I returned to the hospice the next morning, Murray Cutler looked weaker, vaguer, but hearing me speak he became attentive, as though the sound of my voice had woken a memory in him.

The New Yorker

PSS at warned [0worst – 1best]: Psychological security of Target at warned, by the ratio of actual distance when Robot warned Target to the appropriate distance to warn. 1 means that Target became attentive at the appropriate distance.

ROBOMECH Journal

When prey was introduced, the snake quickly became attentive and made an attack.

Wikipedia

And when you walked out, many, uh, many people became attentive". .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Suddenly he uncoils and becomes attentive.

The Guardian - Film

Recently, Americans have become attentive to the long-term effects of football-related concussions.

The New York Times

In the developing culture of ubiquitous truth reports, Phelps argues that we must become attentive to the form these reports take the narrative structure, the use of victims' stories, and the way a political message is conveyed to the citizens of the emerging democracy.

University of Pennsylvania

What's more, if by their presence in black and brown spaces my children can become attentive listeners to and guardians of the life histories and counternarratives told to them by their African American peers and teachers, then they may – with time – be better positioned as allies, resisters, and counter-storytellers themselves.

Harvard University

We become attentive to the ritualistic repetition of actions, to the prowling camera moves that map out the contours of this enclosed but oddly elastic universe, and to the eerie sound design – along with Mihaly Vig's creaky, dirge-like violin/organ score, a ghastly three-note refrain has been mixed eerily into the sound of the wind itself, not just hauntingly but fit to drive you mad.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became attentive" to describe a transition from a state of inattention to one of focused awareness. This phrase often implies an external stimulus prompted the change.

Common error

Avoid using "became attentive" to describe a state of constant alertness. The phrase signifies a change, not a permanent condition. Instead, use adjectives like "attentive", "vigilant", or "observant" to describe someone who is consistently alert.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became attentive" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a change of state. It describes the process of transitioning from a state of inattentiveness to one of being alert and observant. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

42%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became attentive" is a verb phrase used to describe a transition from a state of inattention to focused awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, including scientific, journalistic, and academic writing. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase is well-suited for describing specific instances of heightened alertness or focus. When choosing an alternative, consider the subtle differences in meaning offered by phrases like "became aware" or "started noticing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became aware

Implies gaining knowledge or consciousness of something.

focused intently

Highlights concentrated attention and effort.

turned observant

Implies a shift towards actively noticing details.

sharpened focus

Suggests improving one's ability to concentrate.

grew mindful

Focuses on an increase in awareness and thoughtfulness.

paid heed

Emphasizes the act of giving careful attention.

started noticing

Highlights the beginning of awareness of something previously unnoticed.

perked up

Indicates a sudden increase in alertness and interest.

awakened to

Suggests a sudden realization or understanding.

got absorbed

Emphasizes complete focus and immersion in something.

FAQs

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

Use "became attentive" to describe a shift from a state of inattention to one of focused awareness. For example: "When I returned to the hospice the next morning, Murray Cutler looked weaker, vaguer, but hearing me speak he became attentive, as though the sound of my voice had woken a memory in him."

What's a simple alternative to "became attentive"?

A simpler alternative is "became aware", which emphasizes gaining knowledge or consciousness of something.

How does "became attentive" differ from "was attentive"?

"Became attentive" indicates a change in state, while "was attentive" describes a continuous state of alertness or focus. The first is dynamic, the second static.

When is it appropriate to use "became attentive" instead of "focused intently"?

Use "became attentive" when describing a shift from a lack of focus to a state of alertness. Use "focused intently" when someone is already attentive and concentrates their attention even further.