careful attention

USAGE SUMMARY

'careful attention' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that someone is being very thorough and attentive when performing a task, or when talking about the importance of giving something careful consideration. Example sentence: "The team showed careful attention to detail in order to ensure a successful outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It certainly requires careful attention.

The Guardian - Books

These charges demand careful attention.

MIT Technology Review

"It needs very careful attention".

The New York Times

The army received the most careful attention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It drew you in, forced careful attention.

The New York Times - Arts

King said the photos demand careful attention.

Princeton University

This understudied topic merits careful attention.

Cornell University

f) Pay careful attention to family heirlooms.

University of California, Berkeley

"Your close, careful attention paid off.

The Washington Post

Pay particularly careful attention to the signposts.

The Guardian - Travel

Ms. Guana paid careful attention to details.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "careful attention", ensure the context clearly indicates what requires the attention and why it is important. For instance, "The instructions require careful attention to ensure proper assembly."

Common error

Avoid using "careful attention" when the context already implies attentiveness. For example, instead of saying "Pay careful attention to the details", simply say "Pay attention to the details" when it's obvious that attention should be careful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "careful attention" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of verbs like "pay", "require", or "give". This is confirmed by Ludwig which shows many examples of it being used in similar grammatical structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "careful attention" is a correct and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the importance of thoroughness and focus. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal academic writing to neutral news reports. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, ensure its use is not redundant and aligns with the intended emphasis. Consider alternatives like "meticulous attention" or "close scrutiny" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to clearly indicate what requires "careful attention" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous attention

Emphasizes precision and thoroughness in the attention given.

thorough attention

Highlights the completeness and exhaustiveness of the attention.

close scrutiny

Suggests a detailed and critical examination.

diligent consideration

Highlights the effort and care put into thinking about something.

earnest consideration

Implies sincerity and seriousness in giving attention.

heedful observation

Focuses on being mindful and observant.

mindful awareness

Stresses the conscious and thoughtful nature of the attention.

attentive observation

Highlights active listening and watching.

earnest study

Suggests serious and focused learning.

thoughtful focus

Emphasizes deliberate and careful concentration.

FAQs

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

You can use "careful attention" to emphasize the need for thoroughness and focus. For example: "The project requires "meticulous attention" to detail" or "Give "diligent consideration" to each proposal".

What are some alternatives to using "careful attention"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "close scrutiny", "thorough attention", or "diligent consideration".

Is it redundant to say "pay careful attention"?

While "pay attention" is often sufficient, "pay careful attention" can emphasize the importance of being particularly thorough and focused. However, avoid redundancy by ensuring the context warrants the added emphasis. It's always a trade-off between clarity and conciseness.

What's the difference between "careful attention" and "close attention"?

"Careful attention" suggests a deliberate and cautious approach, while "close attention" implies proximity and intensity. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize caution or focus.