earnest attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"earnest attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something (usually a person) is listening or paying close attention to something else. For example, "The teacher gave us her earnest attention as we discussed our assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Obligation, earnest attention, documentary responsibility - fine.

The Guardian - Books

Thank you for your earnest attention.

The Guardian

Sagalyn's book is written, perhaps of necessity, in a prose so dense with city acronyms and cross-referential footnotes that it can defeat even the most earnest attention.

The New Yorker

Her prose style is delicate, restrained, sometimes erring on the side of formality; her narratives chart upheavals of the heart with earnest attention to psychological development.

The Guardian - Books

Ackerman even pays earnest attention to the mechanics of chewing ("mechanoreceptors on your tongue sort the pieces of your mouthful by size").

The New York Times - Books

THE late Colonel Ellis, whose death was almost simultaneous with the publication of this book, had devoted long and earnest attention to the study of the West African tribes, amongst which his military duties led him.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Back in Trinidad, I explored the cobbled streets of the old town, dodging rickshaws and endlessly disappointing the earnest attentions of souvenir sellers and cigar touts.

Independent

It is that emphasis — the earnest, critical attention to the public Mister Rogers and his legacy — that makes "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" feel like such a gift.

The New York Times

A poet's dispatches from the war in Iraq, with earnest, nonpartisan attention to the terrors as well as to the beauty of ruins.

The New York Times

Grappling with our earnest theoretical attentions to voice and authority and all the non-verbal communications that transpire in an interview, we can find ourselves frozen, asking: How can we possibly put oral history on the page?

Columbia University

Children are present throughout a pregnancy is a major event and Burnett devotes an earnest and eager attention to the seriousness of play.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earnest attention" to convey a sense of genuine care and focus, especially when describing someone's engagement with a serious or important matter.

Common error

Avoid using "earnest attention" in contexts that require a more casual or lighthearted tone. The phrase carries a weight of sincerity that might feel out of place in informal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earnest attention" functions as a noun phrase, where "earnest" modifies the noun "attention". It describes the quality or manner of attention being given, emphasizing sincerity and focus. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science & Research

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earnest attention" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe sincere and focused attentiveness. Ludwig confirms that it is both correct and usable. It's most commonly found in news and academic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When writing, use it to convey genuine care and focus, but avoid using it in casual or lighthearted situations where its serious connotation may feel out of place. Consider alternatives like "sincere focus" or "dedicated focus" for nuanced variations. Be mindful of its connotation to ensure appropriate use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earnest consideration

Similar to "earnest attention" but emphasizes the thoughtfulness.

sincere focus

Emphasizes the genuineness of the concentration.

dedicated focus

Highlights the commitment aspect of the concentration.

attentive listening

Focuses specifically on listening with care and sincerity.

diligent attentiveness

Focuses on the thoroughness and care in paying attention.

focused concentration

Emphasizes the degree of mental focus.

keen interest

Implies a strong level of curiosity and engagement.

close observation

Stresses the act of carefully watching and noticing details.

careful consideration

Highlights the thoughtfulness and deliberation involved.

intense scrutiny

Suggests a very detailed and critical examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "earnest attention" to describe someone giving sincere and focused attentiveness to something. For example, "The student listened with /s/earnest+attention as the professor explained the complex theory."

What are some alternatives to "earnest attention"?

You can use alternatives like "sincere focus", "dedicated focus", or "diligent attentiveness" depending on the specific context.

Is "earnest attention" formal or informal?

"Earnest attention" leans towards the formal side. It is suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts, but may sound overly serious in casual conversation.

What does "earnest" mean in "earnest attention"?

In this context, "earnest" means showing deep sincerity or seriousness. It emphasizes that the attention being given is genuine and heartfelt, not superficial or perfunctory.