draw their attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw their attention" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize something or bring attention to a specific topic or idea. For example: "The mayor drew the citizens' attention to the importance of voting in the upcoming election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We have contact with advisers to the new government leaders; hopefully we can draw their attention".

The Guardian

The moment you draw their attention to it, however, they look away.

The New Yorker

Their lives are filled with responsibilities and interests that draw their attention away from election campaigns and policy battles.

University of California, Berkeley

You're not responsible for the rantings of others; and why draw their attention to something they may not notice?

The New York Times

I try to give them a little story to draw their attention to what they already know.

The Guardian

Even in rooms without computers or Internet access, students have other devices to draw their attention away from academics.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He certainly drew their attention.

The New York Times

The former academic drew their attention in the mid-1980s with essays on Islam and the West.

The Economist

The configuration of the 1,800-student 1,800-studentt Central School District also drew their attention.

The New York Times

It drew their attention to a Channel 4 documentary, Syria's Torture Machine, which was about to be aired.

The Guardian

My kids (a girl and a boy) were watching and I drew their attention to what was going on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “draw their attention” to highlight a specific element or aspect that you want your audience to focus on. This phrase works well when you need to be clear and direct in guiding attention.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in overly passive constructions (e.g., "Attention should be drawn to..."). Instead, opt for active constructions that emphasize agency and clarity (e.g., "The speaker will draw the audience's attention to...").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw their attention" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the action of directing someone's focus toward a particular subject or object. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw their attention" is a versatile and frequently used expression for directing focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse writing contexts. Analysis of real-world examples reveals its common usage in news, scientific articles, and educational materials. When using the phrase, prioritize clarity and active voice. Remember, while alternatives like "attract their gaze" or "capture their interest" exist, "draw their attention" provides a direct and effective way to highlight key elements and guide your audience's focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get them to notice

Directly implies making someone aware or observant.

capture their interest

Highlights the goal of piquing curiosity as a means of gaining attention.

spark their curiosity

Aims to ignite interest as a means to gain attention.

grab their focus

Conveys a sense of immediacy and urgency in securing attention.

attract their gaze

Emphasizes visual appeal to capture attention, differing from a broader focus.

command their focus

Implies authority or importance in necessitating attention.

elicit their consideration

Focuses on prompting thoughtful attention and evaluation.

stimulate their minds

Highlights intellectual engagement as a path to attention.

invite their scrutiny

Suggests opening something up for detailed and critical attention.

appeal to their senses

Targets attention through sensory engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "draw their attention" in a sentence?

You can use "draw their attention" to emphasize a specific detail or topic. For example, "The bright colors in the painting are meant to "draw their attention" to the central figure".

What's a more formal alternative to "draw their attention"?

In a formal context, you might use "command their attention" or "elicit their consideration" as alternatives to "draw their attention" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "attract their attention" and "draw their attention"?

"Attract their attention" suggests a more passive process, where something naturally captures someone's focus. "Draw their attention" implies a more deliberate action to guide or direct someone's focus to something specific.

When is it appropriate to use "draw their attention" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "draw their attention" when you want to emphasize a particular aspect or detail, guiding the reader or listener to focus on it specifically. This is useful in persuasive writing, presentations, or educational materials.