distraction

USAGE SUMMARY

'distraction' is an English word that is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that causes a person to lose focus on the task at hand. For example: The noisy construction next door was a major distraction for me while I was studying.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jason Gillespie has been shielded from questions regarding the job of England head coach, while his director of cricket at Yorkshire, Martyn Moxon, has admitted that the rumours linking the Australian with the role are in danger of becoming a permanent distraction to England's champion county.

The Guardian - Sport

Farage is in a swing through northern cities in a bid to capture the Labour vote, and will not welcome this distraction in the opening days of a campaign in which he is hoping to cause a political earthquake by coming first in the popular vote in the European elections.

The Guardian

The worst are the drunk companions, who are an unnecessary further distraction for doctors and nurses dealing with their mates.

The Guardian

The Carr blog issue is a distraction from more important issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The cultural groups thought it was a distraction and that what the culture sector needed was more money," he said.

The Guardian

The song, the rock site Blabbermouth says, "is about the [US] government's attempts to use the controversy surrounding performance-enhancing drugs as a distraction from their own global sins".

The Guardian - Music

3. Get a hobby A good distraction will stop you from going mad at the country's nightmarish spiral into crypto-fascism.

The Guardian

It might be when I find the right one, but [now] I'm not because it's a distraction in my life.

The Guardian - Film

But to Edwards-Wood, it is an unhelpful distraction from the real issue of preserving the undercroft.

The Guardian

It's now tucked away on the CBBC channel, meaning that anyone above the age of 15 is unlikely to chance upon it when "working from home" and flicking up and down their favourite channels in search of post-Deal Or No Deal distraction.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I think their sharp, herbaceous piquancy is a bit of a distraction here; I'd prefer to keep the underlying flavours simple.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to emphasize the negative impact of "distraction", consider pairing it with strong verbs or adjectives, such as 'major distraction', 'significant distraction', or 'severely distracting'.

Common error

Avoid framing "distraction" as inherently beneficial without qualification. While a brief diversion can sometimes refresh focus, the term generally carries a negative connotation of hindering progress or concentration. If the intention is to indicate something that temporarily shifts focus positively, consider using terms like 'break', 'interlude', or 'recreation' instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "distraction" primarily functions as a noun, referring to something that diverts attention or prevents someone from concentrating on something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, affirming its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distraction" is a commonly used noun referring to something that diverts attention. Ludwig provides ample examples demonstrating its usage across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media sources. As Ludwig AI explains, the word is grammatically correct and can be used when referring to something that causes a person to lose focus on the task at hand. While generally neutral in register, it often carries a negative connotation of hindering progress or concentration, so consider alternative terms like "diversion" or "interruption" if a more neutral or positive nuance is intended. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively employ "distraction" to convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diversion

Focuses on the act of turning attention away from something.

interruption

Highlights the act of temporarily stopping something.

disturbance

Emphasizes the disruption caused by the interfering element.

disruption

Focuses on the act of disrupting or breaking the flow of something.

impediment

Stresses the hindering aspect of the interfering element.

hindrance

Similar to impediment, but with a slightly broader connotation.

interference

Highlights the act of intruding or meddling in something.

intrusion

Emphasizes the unwelcome entry of something into a situation.

detraction

Focuses on the act of taking away from the value or importance of something.

red herring

Describes something intended to mislead or divert attention from the real issue.

FAQs

How can I use "distraction" in a sentence?

You can use "distraction" to describe something that diverts attention from something else. For example, "The noise outside was a major distraction during the exam."

What are some synonyms for "distraction"?

Alternatives to "distraction" include "diversion", "interruption", or "disturbance" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "distraction from" or "distraction to"?

The correct usage is "distraction from", as it indicates something drawing attention away from a specific focus or task. For instance, "The argument was a distraction from the main issue".

What is the difference between "distraction" and "attraction"?

"Distraction" refers to something that diverts attention, while "attraction" refers to something that draws or attracts attention. They are antonyms, representing opposite effects on focus. Therefore you may say, "the attraction" is the opposite of "distraction".