directed attention to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directed attention to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of focusing or concentrating on a particular subject or issue. Example: "The researcher directed attention to the significant findings of the study during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inflationary tendencies have directed attention to stocks as a means of offsetting rising prices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the answer unknowable, a senior physician directed attention to the medical team's immediate role — saving Patrick's life.

The New York Times - Health

Indeed, Ms. Elmahdy learned that reality quickly after a Twitter post directed attention to her blog, and her pictures.

The New York Times

Said's Orientalism (1978) and Culture and Imperialism (1993) directed attention to the effects of colonialism on the arts and society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Silence directed attention to the relationship between feet and the floor, deliberate and secure yet also swooshingly sensuous.

The New York Times - Arts

Rod Gibbons, directed attention to a part of the statement that he described as conveying "mitigating circumstances".

The New York Times

The Pulitzer prize-winning photo riveted the world and directed attention to the devastating famine in the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Golden Bough directed attention to the combination of priestly with kingly office in the "divine kingships" widely reported from Africa and elsewhere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That has helped to break the cycle of political violence which dogged the region, produced a healthy alternation of power, and directed attention to deep-rooted social problems.

The Economist

Tsai Ing-wen, the candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party DPPP), who is forecast to win with a substantial majority, also directed attention to the theme.

Independent

And for that, Collins directed attention to the hitting coach Dave Hudgens, who has promoted a philosophy of patience to overcome the team's power deficiency.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "directed attention to" when you want to emphasize a deliberate shift of focus towards a specific topic or aspect, particularly when aiming for a formal or academic tone.

Common error

Avoid using "directed attention to" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "focused on" or "highlighted" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directed attention to" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of intentionally focusing or guiding attention towards a specific subject. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "directed attention to" is a versatile expression used to indicate the intentional focusing of attention on a specific topic or issue. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in formal and scientific contexts, highlighting its suitability for academic and professional writing. While alternatives such as "focused on" and "highlighted" exist, "directed attention to" maintains a distinct emphasis on deliberate guidance. Remember to consider the context and tone when choosing between these options to ensure the most appropriate and effective communication. Ludwig's examples and analysis underscore the phrase's utility in guiding readers or listeners to consider specific details or arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused on

Implies a concentration of effort or thought, similar to directing attention, but less formal.

highlighted

Emphasizes making something prominent or easily noticeable.

drew attention to

Similar in meaning, but implies attracting notice rather than intentionally guiding it.

called attention to

Suggests a more assertive act of making something noticeable.

emphasized

Implies stressing the importance of something, aligning with directing attention to its significance.

spotlighted

Suggests putting something in the center of focus, making it highly visible.

concentrated on

Implies a deliberate and sustained focus of effort or thought.

pointed out

Directs attention by explicitly indicating something.

brought to the forefront

Implies moving something into a position of prominence.

shed light on

Suggests revealing or clarifying something previously obscure.

FAQs

How can I use "directed attention to" in a sentence?

Use "directed attention to" when you want to formally indicate that focus was intentionally shifted to a specific subject. For example, "The study "directed attention to" the impact of social media on youth mental health".

What are some alternatives to "directed attention to"?

You can use alternatives like "focused on", "highlighted", or "drew attention to" depending on the context.

Is "directed attention to" formal or informal?

"Directed attention to" is generally considered formal. For more informal contexts, consider using "focused on" or "pointed out".

What is the difference between "directed attention to" and "paid attention to"?

"Directed attention to" implies a deliberate and often strategic focusing of attention, while "paid attention to" simply means someone noticed or gave heed to something. For example: The teacher "directed attention to" the most important topics for the test, meaning they intentionally guided the students' focus. Students who "paid attention to" the lecture remembered the key points later.