command my attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "command my attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something is demanding or capturing your focus. Example: "The speaker's passionate delivery truly commanded my attention throughout the entire presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I could concentrate to assemble the complex plastic toys brought by Santa as you were unable to command my attention.

The Guardian

When away from the computer, apps I had long since forgotten about started to command my attention.

Vice

And for this reason, I must make room for Botham Shem Jean to command my attention and outrage, even if my motives are somewhat self-concerned.

Huffington Post

And that would command my attention if it weren't for the fact that it comes from Rush Limbaugh, who thinks Soros is behind everything that's ever ailed him.

Huffington Post

In fact, each year when classes end, I ritually head over to the local library, wandering the stacks and loading my arms with whatever new or interesting books can command my attention now that I'm no longer spending the evenings reading student work.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"So he commands my attention".

The New York Times - Sports

The painting's green lawn and sole occupant, a briskly purposeful young woman in a pale coral dress, commanded my attention as I rushed past.

The New York Times

The flawless, velvet nature of her skin commanded my attention.

Huffington Post

Some unearthly creative flow commanded my attention and said, "Finish it".

Vice

"These allegations, given their seriousness, will continue to command my full personal attention," Mr. Roos said in a statement.

The New York Times

"Oh, man, that's a story," Dickey began, and flicked his wrist against my arm, commanding my full attention.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "command my attention" when you want to emphasize the power or authority of something in capturing your focus. It suggests a deliberate or forceful act of drawing attention.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "command my attention" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "grabbed my attention" or "caught my eye" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "command my attention" functions as a verb phrase where the verb 'command' indicates a forceful drawing or capturing of focus. The examples from Ludwig highlight its usage in describing something that powerfully attracts one's focus. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "command my attention" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating that something powerfully captures one's focus. While not extremely frequent, it appears consistently in news articles, scientific publications, and formal communications. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and the tool provides various examples of its usage across different contexts. While appropriate for neutral and formal settings, consider more casual alternatives like "caught my eye" in informal conversations. The phrase emphasizes a deliberate or forceful act of drawing attention, suggesting authority or power in capturing focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capture my attention

Focuses on the act of seizing attention, rather than directing it.

demand my attention

Emphasizes the forceful requirement of attention.

grab my attention

Highlights a sudden and immediate capture of focus.

attract my attention

Focuses on the appealing quality that draws focus.

draw my attention

Similar to "attract", but can also imply a more gradual process.

seize my attention

Emphasizes the forceful and immediate taking of attention.

hold my attention

Focuses on maintaining attention over a period of time.

rivet my attention

Implies a strong and compelling capture of focus.

monopolize my attention

Suggests that something completely dominates one's focus.

compel my attention

Highlights the irresistible nature of something that draws focus.

FAQs

What does "command my attention" mean?

It means something is compelling or demanding enough to capture your focus. It suggests a powerful or authoritative drawing of attention.

How can I use "command my attention" in a sentence?

You can use it when describing something that strongly attracts your focus. For example, "The speaker's passionate delivery truly "command my attention throughout the entire presentation".

What can I say instead of "command my attention"?

You can use alternatives like "capture my attention", "demand my attention", or "grab my attention" depending on the context.

Is "command my attention" formal or informal?

It leans towards formal usage. For informal situations, consider using more casual alternatives such as "caught my eye" or "grabbed my attention".