commanding attention

USAGE SUMMARY

'commanding attention' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone's presence and actions draw the attention of others. Example sentence: His booming voice and strong presence were commanding attention from everyone in the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, however, she is commanding attention once again.

The New Yorker

But with baseball's best record, the Nats are finally commanding attention.

The New York Times - Sports

But in many apartments, especially in older buildings, they have a way of commanding attention.

The New York Times

Combat veterans in Congress have a long history of commanding attention when discussing war.

The Washington Post

Michael Recchiuti was the excellent conductor, commanding attention both from his players and the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

Now it is the box that is commanding attention on the nostalgia market.

The New York Times - Books

"Harsh, insistent, discordant; commanding attention by a loud or obtrusive quality," she read from the dictionary.

The New York Times

At 85 she was still commanding attention on the West End stage, in Lady Windermere's Fan.

The Guardian - Film

Back in the green room, Teyana Taylor and her preening are commanding attention.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Rove is commanding attention as a new power in this town.

The New York Times

Bar Artisanal pillages and repackages current trends with astonishing thoroughness, commanding attention for that alone.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commanding attention" to describe something that inherently captures focus due to its importance, uniqueness, or impact. For example, "The new policy is commanding attention from all stakeholders."

Common error

Avoid using "commanding attention" for minor or insignificant events. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the focus is genuinely significant and widespread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commanding attention" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to describe a subject that is attracting significant focus or notice. Ludwig indicates its widespread usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commanding attention" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes something attracting significant focus. Ludwig confirms its broad usage across various contexts. It is particularly common in news, academia, and business, suggesting a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When using the phrase, remember to reserve it for truly significant events or subjects and consider alternatives like "drawing focus" or "attracting notice" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming the center of attention

More verbose, explicitly stating the state of being the focal point.

drawing focus

Changes the verb to 'drawing', emphasizing the act of attracting focus.

grabbing attention

Uses 'grabbing' to convey a more immediate and forceful attraction of attention.

attracting notice

Replaces 'attention' with 'notice', suggesting a milder form of awareness.

capturing interest

Shifts from 'attention' to 'interest', implying a deeper engagement.

holding sway

Implies influence and control over attention.

in the spotlight

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate being the center of attention.

gaining prominence

Suggests a gradual increase in attention and importance.

demanding recognition

Focuses on the need for acknowledgement, which attracts attention.

standing out

Highlights the act of being noticeable or distinct, thus attracting attention.

FAQs

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

Use "commanding attention" to describe someone or something that is attracting a lot of focus or notice due to its significance or impact. For example, "The speaker's passionate delivery was "commanding attention" from the audience".

What are some alternatives to "commanding attention"?

You can use alternatives such as "drawing focus", "grabbing attention", or "attracting notice" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "commanding attention" or "attracting attention"?

"Commanding attention" implies a stronger, more inherent quality of attracting focus due to importance or authority, while "attracting attention" is a more general term. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "commanding attention" and "demanding attention"?

"Commanding attention" suggests an inherent quality that naturally draws focus, whereas "demanding attention" implies a forceful or insistent need to be noticed.