easily distracted

USAGE SUMMARY

'easily distracted' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has trouble focusing. For example, "My three-year-old daughter is so easily distracted that getting her to stay focused on her work is a struggle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How easily distracted?

The New York Times - Arts

He's easily distracted.

The New York Times

I'm too easily distracted.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps he is easily distracted.

The Guardian - Books

At Dartmouth, Ketchum was easily distracted.

The New Yorker

And older participants were more easily distracted.

The New York Times

"I get easily distracted," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"I get so easily distracted," she said.

The New York Times

(He is easily distracted by screens).

The New Yorker

OK, I admit it: I'm easily distracted.

The Guardian - Books

It shows that we are easily distracted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "easily distracted", provide specific examples to illustrate this trait for clarity.

Common error

Avoid attributing someone's tendency to be "easily distracted" solely to laziness or lack of intelligence. Consider underlying factors like ADHD or environmental distractions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "easily distracted" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a characteristic of someone or something. Ludwig AI shows it's used to attribute a tendency to lose focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "easily distracted" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone who has difficulty maintaining focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's important to use it with specific examples and avoid overgeneralizing the causes. Consider alternatives like ""prone to distraction"" or ""has a short attention span"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember that while commonly used, providing context can significantly enhance clarity and understanding when describing someone as "easily distracted".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prone to distraction

Emphasizes a natural inclination towards being distracted.

easily sidetracked

Highlights the ease of being led away from the main point or task.

susceptible to diversions

Highlights vulnerability to things that pull attention away.

readily diverted

Focuses on the quickness with which attention can be changed.

has a short attention span

Focuses on the limited duration of focused attention.

lacks concentration

Directly states the absence of focused attention.

finds it hard to concentrate

Highlights the difficulty in maintaining focus.

cannot stay focused

Emphasizes the inability to remain on task.

attention wanders easily

Emphasizes the involuntary drifting of attention.

struggles to maintain focus

Indicates a challenge in keeping attention directed.

FAQs

How can I use "easily distracted" in a sentence?

You can use "easily distracted" to describe someone who has difficulty focusing. For example, "The student was "easily distracted" by noises outside the window".

What are some alternative phrases for "easily distracted"?

Alternatives include "prone to distraction", "susceptible to diversions", or "has a short attention span". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "easily distracted" in formal writing?

Yes, "easily distracted" is suitable for formal writing, but consider the audience and context. In some cases, a more technical term like "attentional deficit" might be more appropriate.

What causes someone to be "easily distracted"?

Being "easily distracted" can stem from various factors, including underlying conditions like ADHD, environmental factors such as excessive noise, or even temporary states like stress or fatigue. It's important to consider the context.