Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
discrete attention
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "discrete attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to refer to attention that is distinct or separate, often in discussions about cognitive processes or focus. Example: "In a crowded room, I find it challenging to maintain discrete attention on a single conversation."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
To better understand how attention is divided between the two tasks, future experiments might employ eye-tracking to identify participants' attentional strategies, and to test for evidence of discrete attention shifts between the center and periphery.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
I am discreet, but more than that I am discrete: My time, attention, and sexuality are measured in hours, beyond which he is yours.
News & Media
Hence, the expression patterns of STS are consistent with the associated protein having discrete effects on attention and other aspects of cognition.
Science
Deriving discrete analogues (Discretization) of continuous distribution has drawn attention of researchers.
Historians have called attention to discrete errors and omissions in the narrative involving the Japanese attack itself.
News & Media
Special attention to discrete competitive and cooperative systems in the plane was given in [2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 14 23].
On the other hands, many scholars have paid attention to the discrete population models, since the discrete-time models governed by discrete systems are more appropriate than the continuous ones when the populations have nonoverlapping generations (cf. [9 12]).
We study general dynamical and topological behaviors of minimal sets in skew-product circle flows in both continuous and discrete settings, with particular attentions paying to almost periodically forced circle flows.
Recently, impulsive difference equations with discrete variable have attracted considerable attention.
In recent years, hybrid (discrete/continuous) dynamic systems that exhibit coupled continuous and discrete behavior have attracted much attention.
A new generation of entrepreneurs is now turning its attention from solving discrete business problems to solving the world's problems, with a variety of funds, initiatives and foundations (and many with a hacker mindset).
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "discrete attention", ensure the context clearly indicates a separation or distinction in focus, rather than simply general attentiveness. For example, use it when discussing dividing attention between tasks or focusing on specific, isolated elements.
Common error
Avoid using "discrete attention" when you mean "discreet attention." "Discrete" means separate or distinct, while "discreet" means subtle or unobtrusive. If you intend to convey subtle attentiveness, use "discreet attention" instead.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "discrete attention" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "discrete" modifies the noun "attention". According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It describes a specific kind of attention, one that is separated or divided.
Frequent in
Science
75%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "discrete attention" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes attention that is separate or divided. According to Ludwig, the phrase functions as a noun phrase and is most commonly found in scientific and academic contexts, although it occasionally appears in news and media. It's important to distinguish it from "discreet attention", which has a different meaning. When using "discrete attention", ensure the context clearly indicates a separation or distinction in focus, and consider alternatives like "focused attention" or "separate attention" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
focused attention
Emphasizes concentration and clarity of focus.
separate attention
Highlights the act of dividing or distinguishing attention between multiple stimuli or tasks.
distinct attention
Stresses the unique or particular nature of the attention given.
specific attention
Indicates a targeted and defined area of focus.
selective attention
Highlights the cognitive process of filtering out irrelevant information to focus on what is important.
individual attention
Implies personalized or one-on-one focus.
particular attention
Emphasizes the significance of what is being focused on.
isolated attention
Suggests a detachment or segregation of focus from other stimuli.
measured attention
Indicates a deliberate and controlled allocation of focus.
attentive discernment
Focuses on perceiving things clearly by giving them your complete attention.
FAQs
How can I use "discrete attention" in a sentence?
You might use "discrete attention" when describing how someone divides their focus between multiple tasks, such as, "The study examined how participants allocate "discrete attention" to different elements of a visual scene."
What is the difference between "discrete attention" and "focused attention"?
"Discrete attention" emphasizes the separation or distinction of focus, while "focused attention" simply highlights the concentration of attention on a single point. "Discrete attention" is about dividing or differentiating focus, whereas "focused attention" is about intensity.
When is it appropriate to use "discrete attention" instead of "selective attention"?
Use "discrete attention" when you want to emphasize that attention is being divided or allocated separately to different elements. Use "selective attention" when the focus is on filtering out irrelevant stimuli to concentrate on what is important.
What are some alternatives to using "discrete attention" in academic writing?
In academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives such as "distinct focus", "separate attentiveness", or "differentiated concentration" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone. It all depends on the degree of the "certain attention".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested