command your attention

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I wanted to have something else that would command your attention to the title".

The New York Times

For at least its first 15 minutes "Dead Accounts" does manage to command your attention.

The New York Times

And we understand that, perhaps particularly in these times, many worthy philanthropic causes rightly command your attention.

Columbia University

But I've had saddle sores and saddle soreness — which tend to command your attention as you pedal — and my knees are stiff, especially in the morning.

The New York Times

"You don't have two or three hitters that you need to be careful with; you have four or five that really command your attention".

The New York Times - Sports

Much of this is too hokey by half, yet the two leading actors, their skills unfaded, command your attention to the end.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"He has a 'quiet' about him that draws you to him and commands your attention.

The Guardian

A lovely drift of a movie, "Go Go Tales" commands your attention even as it lulls you along.

The New York Times

From the first outfits, like a deep blue coat dress with whirls of black embroidery, he commanded your attention.

The New York Times

Mary Gauthier This American troubadour writes and sings with an admirable directness and simplicity, gently but firmly commanding your attention from the first guitar strum and declarative line of verse.

The New Yorker

In "Resonance Alloy," which the Either/Or ensemble presented at Miller Theatre in 2011, the composer Keeril Makan pulled off a small miracle: a half-hour-long piece for solo percussion that completely commands your attention.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "command your attention" when you want to emphasize the power and effectiveness of something in capturing and holding someone's focus. It suggests authority and immediate impact.

Common error

Avoid using "command your attention" in overly casual settings. It can sound too formal or assertive in everyday conversation. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "grab your attention" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "command your attention" functions as a verb phrase, where 'command' is the verb and 'your attention' is the object. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a valid way to express the act of compelling someone to focus.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "command your attention" is a grammatically correct and valid expression used to describe something that effectively captures and maintains someone's focus. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and is applicable across a range of contexts, with a stronger presence in news and media. While the phrase isn't incorrect, it's frequency is uncommon. For informal use, consider alternatives like "capture your attention" or "grab your attention", while understanding the original phrase leans towards formal tone. It's recommended to reserve "command your attention" for situations where emphasizing the power or authority of the subject is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capture your attention

Focuses on initially seizing attention rather than maintaining it.

demand your focus

Emphasizes the necessity of giving attention, implying a strong need.

draw your focus

Highlights the ability to attract attention, often through charm or appeal.

seize your focus

Suggests a sudden and forceful grabbing of attention.

compel your attention

Implies a powerful and irresistible force that draws attention.

attract your notice

Emphasizes making something noticeable, perhaps in a subtle way.

dominate your thoughts

Implies a prolonged and pervasive control over attention.

hold your interest

Focuses on maintaining attention over a period of time.

become the center of attention

Highlights being the focal point of a situation or gathering.

capture your imagination

Suggests sparking interest and holding attention through creative stimulation.

FAQs

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

Use "command your attention" to describe something that effectively captures and holds someone's focus due to its compelling nature or importance. For example, "The speaker's powerful message commanded your attention throughout the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "command your attention"?

You can use alternatives like "capture your attention", "demand your focus", or "draw your focus" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "command your attention" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "command your attention" leans towards formal language. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "grab your attention" or "catch your eye" for a more relaxed tone.

What is the difference between "command your attention" and "attract your attention"?

"Command your attention" implies a greater sense of authority and immediate impact, while "attract your attention" suggests a more gentle and gradual drawing of focus. Something that "commands" attention is more forceful than something that simply "attracts" it.