become attentive

USAGE SUMMARY

"become attentive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone should be paying closer attention to a situation. For example, "I asked him to become attentive to the details of the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

To become mutually responsive, innovators and different stakeholders are first expected to recognise differing perspectives on the innovation, and then to become attentive to others' perspectives – and critical of their own.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

With time, these models have evolved in complexity and have become attentive to the interconnections between natural environments and human societies and the feedbacks between them, at a range of scales from the local to the global.

Geoscience Letters

One EC representative explained that while many ETPs only interacted with EC coordinators in the department, or Directorates-General (DG's, comparable with national ministries) for Research and Innovation, the multi-sectorial relevance of ZEP and CCS had led policy officials from numerous DGs to become attentive to the platform's activities and recommendations.

European Journal of Futures Research

Your company's human resources, training or management teams should act as leaders who actively educate all employees on how to become attentive and active safety advocates.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 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

Suddenly he uncoils and becomes attentive.

The Guardian - Film

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

Target becomes attentive by being warned.

ROBOMECH Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "become attentive", specify the subject or area they should focus on for clarity. For example, "Become attentive to the warning signs."

Common error

While "become attentive" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal writing can make your text sound stilted. Consider alternatives like "pay closer attention" or "focus intently" for a smoother, more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become attentive" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of transitioning into a state of alertness and focused awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and usable phrase. It often implies a deliberate effort to shift one's attention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become attentive" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase across a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid way to express the idea of shifting towards a state of focus and awareness. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to tailor its usage to the specific writing context, avoiding overuse in extremely formal settings. Related phrases like "start paying attention" or "become more aware" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to be specific about the subject of attentiveness to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start paying attention

Focuses on the initiation of attention, implying a shift from a state of inattention.

turn one's attention to

Highlights the redirection of focus towards something specific.

begin to notice

Emphasizes the initial stage of observation and awareness.

develop an awareness of

Suggests a gradual growth in understanding or perception.

grow more observant

Highlights the increasing ability to notice details.

become more aware

Emphasizes gaining consciousness or knowledge about something.

sharpen one's focus

Implies an improvement in concentration and attentiveness.

heighten one's perception

Suggests an increase in the sensitivity and accuracy of sensory input.

get wise to

Represents a more informal idiom indicating the gaining of knowledge.

get clued up on

Suggests obtaining detailed information and understanding about a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "become attentive" to suggest a shift in focus or awareness. For example, "It's important to become attentive to the subtle changes in the patient's condition."

What are some alternatives to "become attentive"?

Alternatives include "start paying attention", "become more aware", or "turn one's attention to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "become attentive" or "be attentive"?

"Become attentive" suggests a process of shifting to a state of attentiveness, while "be attentive" implies a continuous state. The best choice depends on the specific context. For instance, “The students must become attentive during lectures”, versus “A good nurse must be attentive to the patient's needs”.

What's the difference between "become attentive" and "pay attention"?

"Become attentive" suggests a gradual shift towards attentiveness, implying a change in state. "Pay attention", conversely, is a more direct command or request for immediate focus. For example, "The audience began to become attentive as the speaker raised their voice" versus "Please pay attention to the safety demonstration".