diffused the attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diffused the attention" is not correct in standard English usage.
It seems to be an attempt to convey the idea of spreading or scattering attention, but the word "diffused" is not typically used in this context. Example: "The speaker's long-winded explanation diffused the attention of the audience, causing many to lose focus."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Academia

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

While the public de-pantsing should've left Thomas embarrassed, Rudd diffused the situation by organizing an impromptu karaoke session about the cheese he ordered, diverting the rest of the customers' attention from Thomas.

Huffington Post

The original said that Makka Pakka diffused the situation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I thought I diffused the tension.

Huffington Post

Rattling around in a cavernous house like the last Tic Tac in a box, he (or she) has no brothers or sisters to play hide and seek with or to diffuse the high-beam glare of parental attention.

The New York Times

This lack of focus effectively diffuses the pleasure of watching veteran actors jostle for attention: there's more humor in any one of Mr. Torn's expressions than in the painful, shiver-me-timbers dialogue.

The New York Times

This allowed us to diffuse the LEDs by placing them right underneath the printed decal so that the playhead LEDs would not compete for attention with the track LEDs.

Cornell University

"The bubbles diffuse the light and sparkle and shimmer".

The New York Times

Sanders's full-throated, physical performances also diffuse the humor.

The Guardian

"It diffuses the image," he said of film.

The New York Times - Tech

"They have to diffuse the issue of the $2 trillion.

The New York Times

Glass sconces diffuse the light.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more common and grammatically sound phrases like "diverted the attention" or "scattered the attention" to convey your intended meaning clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "diffuse" with abstract nouns like "attention". "Diffuse" generally relates to spreading something tangible or light. Instead, opt for verbs like "divert", "scatter", or "reduce" to accurately describe changes in attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diffused the attention" is an attempt to describe the act of spreading or reducing focus. However, it deviates from standard English usage, making it grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI suggests that alternatives are preferable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "diffused the attention" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, the verb "diffuse" is not typically used with abstract nouns like "attention". It is better to use alternatives such as "diverted the attention", "scattered the attention", or "reduced the focus" to convey the intended meaning accurately. While the phrase might be understood, using more conventional language will enhance clarity and credibility in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Diverted the attention

Focuses on redirecting attention from one point to another.

Scattered the attention

Highlights the dispersal of attention across multiple points.

Reduced the focus

Emphasizes lessening the concentration on something.

Lessened the focus

Similar to reducing, but with a gentler connotation of diminishing focus.

Diminished the focus

Implies a decrease in the intensity of attention.

Weakened the focus

Suggests that the concentration became less powerful.

Diluted the attention

Attention is mixed, making it less concentrated and effective.

Shifted the attention

Highlights a change in where attention is directed.

Spread the attention

Implies attention was distributed across a wider area or group.

Redirected the focus

Similar to diverted, indicating a conscious change in focus direction.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "diffused the attention"?

You can use alternatives like "diverted the attention", "scattered the attention", or "reduced the focus" depending on the context.

Is "diffused the attention" grammatically correct?

No, "diffused the attention" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. While "diffuse" can mean to spread out, it's not typically used with abstract nouns like "attention". It's better to use alternatives like "diverted" or "scattered".

How to use "diverted the attention" in a sentence?

You can use "diverted the attention" in a sentence like this: "The magician's trick successfully diverted the attention of the audience from the assistant."

What's the difference between "diffused the attention" and "diverted the attention"?

"Diffused the attention" is not standard English, while "diverted the attention" is a correct and commonly used phrase. "Diverted" means to redirect or change the course of something, in this case, attention.