diverted attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"diverted attention" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing situations where someone's focus has been redirected or distracted from a primary task or subject. Example: "The loud noise outside diverted attention from the speaker's presentation." Alternative expressions include "redirected focus" and "shifted attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now the euro zone's woes have diverted attention inward again.

The Economist

In 1908, however, international complications diverted attention from domestic affairs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Perhaps that diverted attention away from the economic cycle".

The New York Times

His conduct, unfortunately, diverted attention from his initiatives.

The New York Times

This fervor certainly diverted attention from the decor.

The New York Times

Scandals also diverted attention from the administration's efforts.

The New York Times

After a few weeks, people stopped trying, at least actively, as other business diverted attention.

The New York Times

It diverted attention from a minimalist budget that had left most taxpayers worse off.

The Economist

The claims of accuracy, authenticity and objectivity diverted attention from the warped perspective of the whole.

The New York Times - Books

War in Afghanistan, instability in Pakistan and upheaval in Iran have diverted attention from India.

The New York Times

Officials also complained of continued false bomb threats that diverted attention and resources from real problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "diverted attention", ensure the context clearly indicates what the attention was originally directed towards and what it was diverted to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "diverted attention" when the shift in focus is natural or expected. This phrase typically implies an unexpected or undesirable redirection. Use "shifted focus" or "redirected focus" if the change is intentional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diverted attention" functions primarily as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating an action (diverting) performed on a subject (attention). As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a scenario where focus is redirected from one point to another, often unintentionally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diverted attention" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the redirection of focus, often due to an external factor. As noted by Ludwig, it is versatile enough for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. When writing, ensure that the original focus and the cause of diversion are clear. While Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness and usability, be mindful of the subtle differences between it and alternatives like "shifted focus" or "redirected focus", and avoid using it when the shift is natural or intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shifted focus

Focus is actively moved from one point to another.

redirected focus

A deliberate change in where attention is directed.

distracted focus

Focus is unintentionally pulled away.

sidetracked focus

Focus is led onto a tangent or minor issue.

detracted from focus

Something reduced the overall focus.

drawn away from focus

Focus is gradually pulled away by something else.

taken away from focus

The removal of focus is emphasized.

deflected attention

Attention is turned away, often intentionally.

turned away attention

Attention is actively steered away.

displaced attention

Attention is moved and given to something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "diverted attention" to describe situations where focus is drawn away from something, as in, "The scandal "diverted attention" from the company's financial problems."

What's a formal alternative to "diverted attention"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "redirected focus" or "shifted emphasis" instead of "diverted attention" for a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "attention was diverted"?

Yes, "attention was diverted" is a grammatically correct passive construction. For example, "Due to the sudden announcement, attention was diverted from the main topic."

How does "diverted attention" differ from "attracted attention"?

"Diverted attention" implies a shift away from something, while "attracted attention" means something gained focus. If a new topic "diverted attention" from a speaker, the focus shifted. A celebrity may "attracted attention" at the party.