call attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "call attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize or focus on something or someone. For example, "The teacher called attention to the student in the back of the classroom who had not been paying attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You didn't call attention.

The New York Times - Books

Better not to call attention.

The New Yorker

Deep caves rarely call attention to themselves.

The New Yorker

You don't call attention to them.

The New York Times

Mr. Helm didn't call attention to himself.

The New York Times - Arts

"They never call attention to themselves".

The New York Times

Mednis didn't like to call attention.

The New York Times - Magazine

Its surface features alone immediately call attention to themselves.

The New York Times - Books

She doesn't call attention to herself, but her talent does.

The New Yorker

"Typically companies try to call attention to their strongest suit".

The New York Times - Tech

Jonathan certainly knows how to call attention to himself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "call attention" when you want to politely or formally direct someone's focus to a specific issue or detail. It's suitable for reports, presentations, and other professional communications.

Common error

Avoid using "call attention" in overly passive constructions. For instance, instead of saying "It is important that attention be called to...", try a more direct phrasing like "We must call attention to..." for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call attention" functions as a verb phrase used to direct focus or emphasize a particular subject or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for emphasizing a point or directing focus to something or someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call attention" is a versatile verb phrase used to direct focus or emphasize a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news articles to scientific reports. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "draw attention" or "highlight" exist, "call attention" maintains a level of formality suitable for professional communication. When using the phrase, aim for active constructions to maximize impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw focus to

Uses "focus" instead of "attention", implying a sharper or more deliberate act of directing interest.

highlight

More direct and less conversational than "call attention", often used in writing.

emphasize

Focuses on stressing the importance of something, rather than just drawing notice.

bring to the forefront

More formal and emphasizes the act of making something prominent.

spotlight

Implies a dramatic or concentrated focus, similar to a stage spotlight.

flag

Suggests marking something for attention, often in a system or process.

make known

Focuses on publicizing or revealing information.

invite scrutiny

Suggests drawing attention in a way that encourages close examination or criticism.

urge consideration of

More formal and polite, used to recommend something for thoughtful attention.

underscore

Stresses the importance of something, similar to emphasizing but often in a more subtle way.

FAQs

How can I use "call attention" in a sentence?

You can use "call attention" when you want to direct someone's focus to something specific. For example, "The report aims to call attention to the pressing issue of climate change." or "The presenter will call attention to key data points during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "call attention"?

Some alternatives to "call attention" include "draw attention", "highlight", or "emphasize". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "call attention to" or "draw attention to"?

"Call attention to" and "draw attention to" are largely interchangeable. However, "call attention to" may be perceived as slightly more formal, while "draw attention to" is more common in general conversation.

What is the difference between "call attention" and "seek attention"?

"Call attention" typically refers to directing focus to an external issue or subject, while "seek attention" usually implies trying to gain personal recognition or validation.