beg for attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beg for attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is seeking or craving recognition or notice from others, often in a desperate manner. Example: "The child would often beg for attention, performing silly tricks to get his parents to look at him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In the crowded field of global health, ailments must beg for attention.

The Economist

Two years passed before O'Keefe's older brother emailed a handful of music blogs to beg for attention.

The Washington Post

Our process of finding work to publish was not unlike what we do here daily eavesdrop on conversations, rummage through garbage, paparazzi events, and generally beg for attention.

Yale University

In a similar vein, the C-Class, drawn with the same pen as its rich big brother, doesn't beg for attention on the street.

The New York Times

To some extent, Letterman's bored affect is simply an accurate response to — and subversive comment on — the nature of late-night TV, where stars beg for attention while viewers fall asleep.

The New Yorker

Where once his party had to beg for attention, he now has to fend off questions not just from a British press pack at last treating the Lib Dems with respect, but from CNN and a clutch of other foreign reporters, who have made the trek to see the man who threatens to reshape British politics.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Many plants of May are like children begging for attention.

The New York Times

Bandy, their Shih Tzu, is not helping, alternately barking and begging for attention.

The New York Times

For instance, latex and rubber wear are begging for attention, a sort of rebel yell.

The New York Times - Magazine

The bull market on Wall Street brought 5,000 mutual funds begging for attention.

The New York Times

But after all that begging for attention, Ms. Lee's people turned down my request for an interview.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beg for attention" when you want to convey a sense of desperation or neediness in seeking recognition. It's stronger than simply 'seeking attention'.

Common error

Avoid using "beg for attention" too frequently in your writing, as it can make the subject seem overly pathetic or annoying. Consider using synonyms like "seek attention" or "crave attention" /s/seek+attention to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beg for attention" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action performed to gain notice. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase suggests desperation in seeking recognition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beg for attention" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe someone seeking recognition, often with a sense of desperation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly formal, it suits various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, it's advisable to be aware of its negative connotation and consider synonyms like "seek attention" or "crave attention" for variations. Remember to use the phrase mindfully to avoid overuse or misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attention seeking

A general term for behaviors intended to gain attention.

seek attention

Focuses on the act of trying to be noticed without necessarily implying desperation.

crave attention

Emphasizes a strong desire or need for attention.

yearn for attention

Emphasizes a deep longing and desire for attention.

solicit attention

Highlights a more proactive and deliberate effort to gain attention.

demand attention

Indicates a forceful or insistent expectation of being noticed.

fish for compliments

Suggests subtly trying to elicit positive feedback or praise.

play to the gallery

Implies acting in a way that is designed to impress or appeal to a particular audience.

grandstand

Refers to behaving in a showy or ostentatious way to attract attention.

showboat

Describes someone who is overly proud and tries to impress people with their abilities.

FAQs

What does it mean to "beg for attention"?

To "beg for attention" means to desperately try to get noticed or recognized by others, often in a way that seems needy or excessive.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "beg for attention"?

It's appropriate when describing someone or something that is actively and somewhat desperately seeking to be noticed. Be mindful of the negative connotation.

What are some alternatives to "beg for attention"?

You can use alternatives like "seek attention", "crave attention", or "solicit attention" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "begging for attention" the same as "beg for attention"?

"Begging for attention" is the gerund form of the verb phrase "beg for attention". Both are correct, but "begging for attention" is often used to describe an ongoing action or a characteristic behavior.