deflect attention from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'deflect attention from' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when trying to direct people away from a certain topic or behavior, either intentionally or unintentionally. For example: "The mayor tried to deflect attention from the scandal by announcing a new initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This seems to be nothing more than an attempt to deflect attention from their housing crisis.

Independent

He in turn accused them of seeking to deflect attention from their flagship policy of independence.

The Guardian

A main goal is to deflect attention from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Economist

It is an attempt to deflect attention from the militias' blatant abuse of power.

The New York Times

They are tempted to beat a nationalist drum to deflect attention from their own failings.

The Economist

Ms. Poitras also sought to deflect attention from herself and her role.

The New York Times

He has suggested it was a plot to deflect attention from the military successes.

The Economist

Who wanted to win this one "clean" in order to deflect attention from the past.

The Guardian - Sport

With Wie in the field, Sorenstam has someone to deflect attention from her.

The New York Times - Sports

Many were implicating the five officers, the lawyers said, to deflect attention from themselves.

The New York Times

It would be easy for him to retreat and deflect attention from an essentially private struggle.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like "obfuscate" or "divert" if you want to emphasize the deliberate or manipulative nature of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "deflect attention from" when the subject isn't actively trying to shift focus. If the attention naturally drifts, consider phrases like "draws attention away from" or "overshadows" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deflect attention from" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes an action taken to redirect focus away from a particular subject, issue, or person. It is commonly used in situations where there is an attempt to avoid scrutiny or criticism, as suggested by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deflect attention from" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an attempt to redirect focus away from a particular subject. As indicated by Ludwig, it is frequently used in contexts such as news and media, formal business, and science. The phrase implies a deliberate action to shift attention, often to avoid scrutiny. Related phrases include "turn attention away from" and "shift focus from". When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being diverted from and to, and be mindful of the agency involved in the redirection. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrases legitimacy and common usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn attention away from

This alternative focuses on the act of turning attention, emphasizing a deliberate shift in focus.

shift focus from

This option highlights changing the central point of interest, making it more concise.

draw attention away from

This emphasizes the act of pulling attention away, suggesting a stronger diverting action.

redirect focus from

This highlights the act of directing the focus again to a different subject

avert attention from

This suggests preventing attention from focusing on something, indicating an avoidance strategy.

distract attention from

This focuses on drawing attention away, creating a diversion.

divert scrutiny from

This emphasizes redirecting critical examination, adding a layer of potential wrongdoing.

obscure focus on

It implies making something less clear or harder to notice. It is used when one is trying to conceal something by making it harder to see.

draw focus away

It simplifies the phrase, maintaining the core idea of shifting focus elsewhere.

deflect blame from

This specifies that the attention being deflected is related to blame or responsibility.

FAQs

What does "deflect attention from" mean?

The phrase "deflect attention from" means to redirect focus away from something, often to avoid scrutiny or criticism. It implies a deliberate attempt to shift the subject.

How can I use "deflect attention from" in a sentence?

You can use "deflect attention from" to describe attempts to redirect focus. For instance, "The politician tried to deflect attention from the scandal by announcing a new initiative."

What are some alternatives to "deflect attention from"?

Alternatives to "deflect attention from" include "turn attention away from", "shift focus from", or "draw attention away from", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "deflect attention from" in formal writing?

Yes, "deflect attention from" is appropriate for formal writing. As the Ludwig AI analysis points out, it's frequently used in news and media, formal business, and science contexts. It accurately describes the act of redirecting focus.