consume attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consume attention" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to use up or take up someone's focus or concentration. Example: The bright and flashy advertisements on the website were designed to consume attention and keep users engaged for longer periods of time.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One explanation for this finding is that, in the setting of multiple medical conditions, for which poor self-reported general health status may be a proxy, the management of some conditions may be neglected if others consume attention[ 41].

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Every day he devotes to a spill that seems beyond his control, and every day it consumes attention in Washington, is another day that he cannot focus as much energy and resources on his own initiatives.

The New York Times

Yet a new competition with Rick Santorum and a lingering feud with Newt Gingrich will consume the attention of Mr. Romney, forcing him to guard his right flank rather than turn his attention to President Obama.

The New York Times

Instead, they take up your time and consume your attention at precisely the time of day that most of us have the most energy and the fewest distractions.

The New York Times

But it's not alone: Twitter; YouTube; online publications; e-mail services that tuck in to-do lists, calendars and more — they all seek, in various ways, to pull you out of the physical world and consume your attention.

The New York Times

As others have pointed out, the election campaign will itself consume politicians' attention at just the time progress needs to be made in independence talks, and the prospect of a change of UK government partway through makes it hard for the government to do much before the election.

The Guardian - Opinion

Within hours after the results of the mayoral election became clear yesterday, several members of the City Council and others elected to join their ranks were on the phones, conferring with one another and assessing the next election that is likely to consume their attention.

The New York Times

Having an internal locus of control has a demonstrable link with labor market success and appears to be central to many of the human capital investment decisions which consume the attention of labor economists.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

This was in the years before everyone had a cell phone to consume their attention.

Huffington Post

Facebook, Instagram, games, TV and other social media outlets consume their attention; little, if any is education related.

Huffington Post

Hearing the many voices that today so easily consume our attention, it is easy for us to forget this quiet voice of divine love.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consume attention" to describe situations where something significantly depletes or occupies mental focus, particularly when it leads to neglecting other concerns. It effectively conveys a sense of resources being used up.

Common error

Avoid using "consume attention" in overly casual or mundane situations. The phrase implies a significant and potentially problematic absorption of focus, so reserve it for scenarios where this is genuinely the case. Using simpler terms like "attract" or "occupy" might be more appropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consume attention" functions as a verb phrase where "consume" (verb) acts upon "attention" (noun). It describes the action of something utilizing or depleting focus. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "consume attention" effectively conveys the idea that something is using up or monopolizing one's mental focus. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and indicates common usage. While suitable for various contexts, from formal science to general news, it’s particularly relevant when discussing significant demands on cognitive resources. Be mindful of the intensity the phrase implies; using it casually might be an overstatement. Consider alternatives like "capture attention" or "absorb attention" to fine-tune the intended meaning. The high frequency in news media highlights its utility in describing how events or issues vie for public awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capture attention

Focuses on the act of initially grabbing someone's focus.

absorb attention

Highlights the immersion aspect of attention being fully taken.

monopolize attention

Emphasizes the exclusive control over someone's focus.

demand attention

Stresses the imperative nature of something requiring focus.

dominate attention

Indicates a strong, controlling influence over focus.

occupy attention

Suggests a filling or using up of available focus.

draw attention

Implies attracting focus, often subtly.

command attention

Highlights the authoritative or impressive nature of gaining focus.

devour attention

Suggests a rapid and complete taking of focus.

engross attention

Emphasizes the captivating and absorbing nature of the focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "consume attention" to describe something that uses up a significant amount of someone's focus. For example, "The complex project began to consume attention, leaving little time for other tasks."

What are some synonyms for "consume attention"?

Alternatives to "consume attention" include "capture attention", "absorb attention", or "monopolize attention", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of focus being taken.

Is it better to say "consume attention" or "attract attention"?

"Consume attention" implies a more significant and resource-intensive use of focus compared to "attract attention". "Attract" simply means to draw focus, while "consume" suggests a more complete absorption.

What does it mean when something is said to "consume attention"?

When something "consumes attention", it means it uses up a considerable amount of mental focus and concentration, possibly to the exclusion of other things. This can have both positive (deep engagement) and negative (distraction, neglect) implications.