divert your attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'divert your attention' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to focus on something else. For example, you could say "Let's divert your attention away from that problem and focus on finding a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"She's trying to divert your attention".

The Guardian

A resilient yet insignificant threat can easily divert your attention from other more menacing challenges.

Harvard Business Review

"Don't let smears about the things they were spending the money on divert your attention," she said.

The New York Times

It's all in the context, the interpretation, the ability to divert your attention from the knot in your gut.

The New York Times - Magazine

This means that a distraction doesn't need to be as stimulating to divert your attention on to something else.

The Guardian

For anyone who is determined to find an unambiguous error in this week's issue, allow me to divert your attention to Tables for Two.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Try these tips for diverting your attention from the next step up.

Harvard Business Review

You've tried to control your upset at being thrown — but, instead, you've become even more upset and diverted your attention from moving forward.

Harvard University

While you are contemplating gall, you might enjoy diverting your attention to a USA Today article about the N.C.A.A.'s response to recent criticism of its leadership by adding security.

The New York Times - Sports

And smart means not diverting your attention from the real war on terror in Afghanistan against Osama bin Laden and taking it off to Iraq, where the 9/11 commission confirms there was no connection to 9/11 itself and Saddam Hussein.

The New York Times

It diverts your attention from all the things that could go wrong, to the things that could go right so your nervousness turns to excitement.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase in writing, make sure the new point of focus is clearly defined, to prevent confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "divert your attention" when you actually intend to convey disagreement or dismissal. The phrase implies a gentle redirection, not a rejection of the initial topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divert your attention" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to shift their focus from one thing to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in directing focus.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "divert your attention" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to suggest a shift in focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, with a neutral register making it appropriate for both professional and informal communication. Usage patterns show it is most frequently found in News & Media, followed by Wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure the new focus is clear and that you're not inadvertently dismissing the original topic. Related phrases include "shift your focus" and "redirect your thoughts", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shift your focus

Focus replaces attention, implying a slightly stronger emphasis on concentration.

redirect your thoughts

Thoughts replaces attention, specifically referring to the cognitive process.

turn your gaze

Uses 'gaze' instead of 'attention', implying a visual focus.

draw your attention elsewhere

More descriptive and less direct than the original phrase.

take your mind off things

Implies a desire to relieve stress or worry.

occupy your thoughts

Suggests filling the mind with something to prevent focus on something else.

distract yourself

Focuses on the action of distracting, rather than directing attention.

look the other way

Suggests ignoring something intentionally.

change the subject

Specifically refers to changing the topic of conversation.

lose yourself in something

Implies complete absorption in an activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "divert your attention" to suggest a change of focus. For instance, "Let's divert your attention from these setbacks and consider our progress".

What's a similar phrase to "divert your attention"?

Alternatives include "shift your focus", "redirect your thoughts", or "draw your attention elsewhere", each with slightly different nuances.

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

Yes, "divert your attention" is suitable for formal writing, as it's a polite and professional way to suggest a change in focus. However, context matters; a more direct phrase might be preferable in certain situations.

How does "divert your attention" differ from "distract yourself"?

"Divert your attention" implies a deliberate redirection, often by someone else, whereas "distract yourself" suggests a personal action to take one's mind off something, either with or without help.