devote your attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devote your attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to focus or concentrate on a particular subject or task. Example: "I would like you to devote your attention to the details of this project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

And where do you now devote your attention?

Harvard Business Review

If you're improvising and know in advance how a line of verse is going to end — "swift-footed Achilles," say — you can devote your attention to the middle, the part you're actually inventing.

The New Yorker

If you're improvising and know in advance how a line of verse is going to end—"swift-footed Achilles," say you can devote your attention to the middle, the part you're actually inventing.

The New Yorker

When you don't commit to specific time with boundaries when you will devote your attention to your direct reports, they need to find other, much less effective ways to connect with you.

Harvard Business Review

It's a very conscious choice to devote your attention to something other than the events around you.

HuffPost

They've also got a giant TV which is the only thing to devote your attention to since it's too loud to speak.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

At that price you may feel downright proud about devoting your attention to the app instead of your child, the next time both of you are out in public.

The New York Times - Tech

"If you're going to devote your life to being a movie critic, occasionally you want to reassure yourself that it's worth doing, that the movies are worth devoting your attention to," Mr. Ebert said.

The New York Times - Arts

I learned the meaning of the German word "sitzfleisch" — literally, the ability to sit, to spend serious time at something, devote your sustained attention to a single subject for four, six or eight hours, and resist the impulse to get up and take a break or check e-mail when you get fidgety or bored.

The New York Times

Tell her how wildly efficient you'll be in your quiet home office as you devote your unfettered attention to the work she cares about most.

Forbes

Devote your full attention when in conversation.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "devote your attention", be specific about what they should focus on to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Devote your attention to the critical details of this report".

Common error

While "devote your attention" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "concentrate on", "focus on", or "dedicate yourself to" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devote your attention" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to focus or concentrate on a specific subject or task. Ludwig AI indicates that it follows standard grammatical rules and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devote your attention" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for urging focus on a specific task or subject. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and usability. While versatile, consider the context and adjust formality with synonyms such as "focus your mind" or "dedicate your focus" for optimal impact. Use this phrase when emphasis on attention and concentration are a must.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus your mind

Emphasizes mental concentration, slightly different from allocating attention to something.

concentrate your efforts

Highlights the application of energy and resources towards a specific goal.

dedicate your focus

Implies a more formal and committed allocation of one's attention.

give your undivided attention

Stresses the importance of minimizing distractions and providing complete focus.

apply yourself fully

Focuses on effort and diligence rather than just attention.

immerse yourself in

Suggests a deep and thorough engagement, beyond mere attention.

be all ears

Informal way to indicate active listening.

center your thoughts on

Implies controlling the direction of one's thoughts.

keep your eye on

Means to watch carefully or remain vigilant.

bear in mind

Suggests remembering something important but not necessarily focusing on it.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "devote your attention" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "dedicate your focus", "concentrate your efforts", or "apply yourself fully" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

Is it appropriate to use "devote your attention" in casual conversation?

Yes, "devote your attention" is acceptable in casual conversation, though it might sound slightly formal. For a more relaxed tone, consider alternatives like "focus your mind" or "give your undivided attention".

What's the difference between "devote your attention" and "pay attention"?

"Pay attention" is a general instruction to be observant, while "devote your attention" implies a more deliberate and concentrated effort. You "pay attention" to avoid accidents, but you "devote your attention" to mastering a skill.

How to use "devote your attention" in a sentence?

You can use "devote your attention" when asking someone to focus or concentrate on a particular subject or task. For example: "I would like you to devote your attention to the details of this project to ensure its success."