compete for attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compete for attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two or more people, entities, or ideas are trying to attract, capture, or command the attention of others. For example: "The two candidates for mayor competed for attention during the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Kids compete for attention.

The New York Times

Did she compete for attention?

The Guardian - Film

Artworks and rubbish compete for attention.

The Guardian - Arts

I've always had to compete for attention, you see.

The Guardian

There was also little other news to compete for attention.

The New York Times

Good and bad news always compete for attention.

The New York Times

He did not compete for attention with his baby brother the way Chelsea did.

The New York Times

Asia is not the only other region that finds it tough to compete for attention.

The New York Times

The other films and videos in "Mirage" compete for attention, some more clamorously than others.

The New York Times - Arts

"When people and merchandise compete for attention, the people always win".

The New York Times - Tech

Along the promenade, street musicians compete for attention, blaring passers-by with the local forró music.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compete for attention", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the nature of the competition, whether it's a friendly rivalry or a more intense struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "compete for attention" when simply describing something that attracts attention without any direct rivalry. Instead, use phrases like "attracts attention" or "draws focus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compete for attention" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of rivalry or contest to gain focus or interest. Ludwig provides numerous examples across different contexts where this phrase is used to describe such competitive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compete for attention" is a frequently used verb phrase that accurately describes the act of vying for focus or interest. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across numerous reliable sources. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, but also used in Science and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of the specific context to ensure it reflects a genuine sense of rivalry, and avoid using it simply to describe something that is generally eye-catching. Consider alternatives like "vie for attention" or "contend for attention" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vie for attention

Replaces "compete" with "vie", suggesting a strong sense of rivalry.

contend for attention

Uses "contend" instead of "compete", implying a struggle or effort to gain attention.

struggle for attention

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved in attracting attention.

fight for attention

Suggests a more aggressive and direct effort to gain attention.

rival for attention

Focuses on the competitive aspect of seeking attention.

seek attention

A more general term that doesn't necessarily imply competition.

attract attention

Focuses on the act of drawing attention, rather than competing for it.

capture attention

Implies successfully gaining and holding someone's attention.

draw attention

Similar to "attract attention", but can also mean to unintentionally cause attention.

gain prominence

Shifts the focus to achieving a position of noticeable importance or recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "compete for attention" in a sentence?

You can use "compete for attention" to describe situations where multiple entities are vying for someone's focus. For example, "The two advertisements "compete for attention" on the website's homepage."

What are some alternatives to "compete for attention"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "vie for attention", "contend for attention", or "struggle for attention".

Is it more appropriate to say "compete for attention" or "attract attention"?

"Compete for attention" implies a direct rivalry, whereas "attract attention" simply means something is drawing focus without a competitive aspect. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific situation you're describing.

What does it mean to "compete for attention" in a business context?

In a business context, to "compete for attention" means that different companies or products are trying to capture the interest of consumers or investors, often through marketing, advertising, or unique features.