command our attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “command our attention” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you want to describe something or someone that deserves to be noticed or admired. For example, “The singer commanded our attention with her powerful performance.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

In turn, they command our attention.

The New York Times

"Yes, and to command our attention.

The Guardian

He has indeed shown us that he can command our attention with his ideas and rhetoric.

The New York Times

As often happens, history is reversing itself, and Sargent's murals seem poised to command our attention once again.

The New York Times - Arts

Certainly a few of them will command our attention through next spring in their pursuit of the Classics.

The New York Times - Sports

There is certainly no other actor who can command our attention — our empathy, our loyalty, our love — with such efficiency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Now a new J.J. — J.J. Abrams — commands our attention.

The Guardian - Film

— and commands our attention because she is not afraid to ask for it.

The New Yorker

Gathered round are various other politicians, shocked and sorrowful; but it is the assassin, John Bellingham, who commands our attention.

The Guardian - Books

"These talks would have been inconceivable under the last Iranian regime, and that's what commands our attention".

The New Yorker

This bright, arresting opening immediately commands our attention but could have been written by any number of contemporaneous composers.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "command our attention" when you want to emphasize the power or authority something has in gaining notice.

Common error

While "command our attention" is a perfectly valid phrase, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "attract our attention" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "command our attention" functions as a verbal phrase, where "command" acts as a transitive verb and "our attention" is the direct object. It expresses the action of something compelling notice or focus. As Ludwig AI says, this phrase is grammatical and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "command our attention" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something that powerfully attracts notice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. It functions as a verbal phrase, emphasizing the noteworthiness or impact of a subject. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts. Alternatives such as "draw our attention" or "capture our attention" offer subtle differences in meaning. When employing this phrase, it is best to reserve it for scenarios where an authoritative or impactful tone is desired, avoiding overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw our attention

Uses 'draw' instead of 'command', implying a more gentle pull towards notice.

demand our attention

Indicates a strong need to be noticed, suggesting importance or urgency.

capture our attention

Implies seizing attention quickly and effectively.

compel our attention

Suggests a powerful and irresistible force in gaining attention.

dominate our attention

Conveys a stronger sense of control over attention, suggesting something is hard to ignore.

rivet our attention

Indicates holding attention fixedly, often due to fascination or captivation.

warrant our attention

Suggests that something deserves attention based on its merits or significance.

merit our attention

Similar to 'warrant', highlighting the deserving nature of something to be noticed.

attract our attention

A more general term for gaining attention, without necessarily implying control.

get our attention

A simple, direct way of saying something becomes noticeable.

FAQs

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

You can use "command our attention" to describe something that powerfully attracts notice. For example, "The speaker's passionate delivery "commanded our attention" throughout the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "command our attention"?

Alternatives include "draw our attention", "capture our attention", or "demand our attention", each with slight differences in nuance.

Is it more appropriate to say "command our attention" or "attract our attention"?

"Command our attention" implies a stronger, more authoritative pull, while "attract our attention" is more general. Choose based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it best to use "command our attention" in writing?

It's effective in formal writing, news reports, or when describing something authoritative or impactful. In informal contexts, consider alternatives like "get our attention" or "catch our eye".