become inattentive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become inattentive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone starts to lose focus or attention over time. Example: "During the long lecture, many students began to become inattentive and started to check their phones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Efficient service, but at quiet times staff members might congregate and table service become inattentive.

The New York Times

In the meantime, Mr. Jeffries says Mr. Green has become inattentive to the needs of his constituents.

The New York Times

The company is using cameras and software to detect eye and facial movements so it can alert drivers who have become inattentive, either due to drowsiness or distraction.

MIT Technology Review

"You've got highs and lows and you try to disguise that – you become inattentive, over-attentive when you're trying to cover up.

The Guardian - Money

If once they become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, judges and governors, shall all become wolves". The November election is four months away.

University of California, Berkeley

Jonah Lehrer, a neuroscientist and the author of the soon-to-be-released book, "Imagine: How Creativity Works," said in a phone interview that our brains often needed to become inattentive to figure out complex issues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Each task was presented until the infant became inattentive, at which point they went to the next task or took a break.

Current Biology

Psychologist Anthony Pellegrini and his colleagues have found that elementary school children become increasingly inattentive in class when recess is delayed.

University of California, Berkeley

And children with these sleeping disorders may become hyperactive, inattentive, and emotionally unstable — even when they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

Harvard University

Tay-Sachs infants appear normal at birth but become listless and inattentive during the first few months of life.

Britannica

As the plane took off, I began to see ways I had become careless and inattentive to special sensitivities of those I teach.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become inattentive", consider the reason for the shift in attention. Adding context, like fatigue or boredom, can enrich your sentence.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "become inattentive" may sound awkward in very formal contexts. Opt for synonyms like "lose focus" or "grow distracted" for a smoother tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become inattentive" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process or change of state where someone transitions into a state of inattentiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become inattentive" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a state of losing focus over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While not overly formal, it fits best in neutral contexts such as news articles, academic papers, and scientific reports. Consider alternatives like "lose focus" or "drift off" for slight variations in meaning or tone. The most common sources where "become inattentive" is found include The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become distracted

This alternative indicates that attention has been diverted by something external.

lose focus

This alternative is a more general term for losing attention.

lapse into inattention

This alternative highlights a gradual decline into a state of not paying attention.

drift off

This alternative suggests a gradual loss of attention, often due to boredom or fatigue.

zone out

This alternative is more informal and suggests a complete mental detachment.

start daydreaming

This alternative implies that attention is diverted to internal thoughts or fantasies.

grow weary

This alternative emphasizes the weariness that leads to inattentiveness.

turn a deaf ear

This alternative focuses on ignoring or not listening to something.

pay less heed

This alternative is more formal and means to give less attention or consideration.

cease to pay attention

This alternative is a more formal and explicit way of saying that someone stops paying attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "become inattentive" to describe someone losing focus over time. For example, "The students "become inattentive" during the long lecture."

What's a more formal way to say "become inattentive"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "lose focus" or "grow distracted" for a more sophisticated tone.

What causes someone to "become inattentive"?

Several factors can cause someone to "become inattentive", including boredom, fatigue, distractions, or a lack of interest in the subject matter.

Is it correct to say someone "became inattentive"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Became" is the past tense of "become", so "became inattentive" correctly describes a past instance of losing focus.