divert attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divert attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing strategies to shift focus away from something or someone. Example: "The magician used clever tricks to divert attention from his assistant's movements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're trying to divert attention to us".

The New York Times

What could you say to divert attention?

The Guardian - Opinion

He's just trying to divert attention from First Amendment issues.

The New York Times - Magazine

A paedophile who publicly condemns other paedophiles to divert attention.

The Guardian

Anything to divert attention from their own atrocities.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Bush wants to divert attention from his domestic problems.. . .

The Washington Post

Is it to divert attention from something else?

The Guardian

The danger is that now her shortcomings will divert attention.

The Guardian - Opinion

So why the sudden fuss?Perhaps to divert attention away from the police's own abuses.

The Economist

It added that "no attempts to divert attention will stop us from achieving our goal".

The New York Times

The energies needed for a snap election might divert attention from such structural reforms.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "divert attention" when you want to express a deliberate attempt to shift focus from an unwanted subject or issue to a more favorable one.

Common error

While "distract" and "divert attention" are similar, "divert attention" often implies a strategic intention to redirect focus, whereas "distract" can be more accidental. Ensure the context supports the strategic aspect when using "divert attention".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divert attention" functions primarily as a verb phrase, with 'divert' acting as a transitive verb that requires an object (attention). It describes the act of changing the direction of one's focus. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "divert attention" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes the act of shifting focus from one subject to another. Ludwig AI confirms that it is found frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. It often serves a strategic purpose, aiming to persuade or influence perception by drawing focus away from unwanted scrutiny. While there are many alternatives to "divert attention", such as "redirect focus" or "draw attention away", each carries its own subtle nuance. Understanding these nuances allows for a more precise and impactful use of language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw attention away

Emphasizes the act of pulling focus from something.

deflect focus

Highlights the action of turning the attention away, often from scrutiny.

redirect focus

Implies a deliberate change in the direction of attention.

draw attention elsewhere

Focuses on shifting attention to an alternative location or subject.

turn attention away

A more straightforward expression for shifting focus.

shift the spotlight

Uses a metaphor to indicate a change in prominence or focus.

obscure the issue

Suggests making something less clear to draw attention away from it.

throw someone off the scent

An idiomatic expression for misleading someone to divert their attention.

muddy the waters

Implies making a situation confusing to distract from key issues.

lead someone astray

Focuses on actively misleading someone to draw them away from the truth.

FAQs

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

You can use "divert attention" when you want to express the action of drawing focus away from something. For example: "The politician tried to divert attention from the scandal by announcing new initiatives."

What are some alternative ways to say "divert attention"?

Alternatives include "redirect focus", "deflect focus", or "draw attention away". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "distract attention" and "divert attention"?

"Divert attention" typically implies a deliberate and strategic effort to shift focus, while "distract attention" can suggest a more general or unintentional drawing away of focus.

Is it appropriate to use "divert attention" in formal writing?

Yes, "divert attention" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe the act of shifting focus from one subject to another.