distract attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distract attention" is correct and is usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation when someone or something draws attention away from a person, item, or event. For example, "The bright blue flash of light from the fireworks distracted attention from the acrobats in the center of the ring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A confrontation might distract attention from the BJP's electoral humiliation.

The Economist

And they needed to distract attention with another scandal".

The New York Times - Arts

THEY pop up without warning, distract attention and clog computers.

The Economist

We don't want anybody to be able to distract attention.

The New York Times

Views distract attention from the ruined immediate landscape.

The Guardian

A firefight should not distract attention from these serious proposals.

The Guardian

Still, the downgrade should not be allowed to distract attention from the unemployment crisis.

The New Yorker

And it must not distract attention from the equally pressing difficulties of the here and now.

Independent

Mr Brown agreed that nothing should be allowed to distract attention from his economic achievements.

The Economist

And of course issues of faith should not distract attention from issues of economics and war.

The New York Times - Magazine

A third might be to distract attention from allegations of top-level corruption and money laundering.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distract attention", ensure the context clearly indicates what the attention is being diverted from and what it is being diverted to.

Common error

Avoid using "distract attention" excessively in passive constructions. Active voice often makes the sentence more direct and impactful. For example, prefer "The loud noise distracted the audience" over "Attention was distracted by the loud noise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distract attention" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the act of diverting focus or concentration from one thing to another. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distract attention" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of diverting focus. As verified by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, often with the purpose of highlighting an attempt to shift scrutiny from an undesirable topic. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial to use it accurately, ensuring the context clarifies what is being diverted from and to. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, writers can effectively employ "distract attention" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divert focus

This alternative highlights the act of changing the direction of focus.

draw attention away

This phrase emphasizes the act of pulling focus from something else.

deflect interest

This suggests a more deliberate attempt to avoid scrutiny.

shift the spotlight

This alternative uses a metaphor to describe changing the main focus.

sidetrack observation

This suggests causing someone to go off-topic or lose track.

mislead observation

This alternative implies a deliberate misleading of onlookers.

draw a red herring across the trail

This phrase uses an idiom to describe leading someone away from the main point.

throw off the scent

This alternative refers to diverting a hunt or investigation.

pull the wool over someone's eyes

This alternative refers to diverting with the intent to deceive.

create a diversion

This is a more general term for creating a distraction.

FAQs

How can I use "distract attention" in a sentence?

You can use "distract attention" to describe something that pulls focus away from something else, as in "The magician's flashy tricks were meant to distract attention from his sleight of hand".

What are some alternatives to "distract attention"?

You can use alternatives like "divert focus", "draw attention away", or "deflect interest" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "distract attention from" or "distract attention to"?

The correct usage is "distract attention from", indicating that attention is being drawn away from something. For example, "The scandal was meant to distract attention from the economic issues".

What's the difference between "distract attention" and "attract attention"?

"Distract attention" means to pull focus away from something, while "attract attention" means to draw focus towards something. They are opposite in meaning.