elicit attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"elicit attention" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is capable of getting people's attention. For example, "The bright colors of the dress were designed to elicit attention from passersby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

[Page A1.] Super Bowl Surprises, Good and Bad Many of the 54 paid commercials from 30 advertisers that ran nationally during Super Bowl XXXV relied on unexpected twists, particularly surprise endings, to elicit attention from the audience watching some or all of the game on CBS.

The New York Times

From the red carpet to catwalk, he is a sought-after designer and his creations elicit attention.

Huffington Post

Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities.

Wikipedia

As with chimps and dolphins, a dying or dead elephant may elicit attention and aid from others, including those from other groups.

Wikipedia

"The thrill of documenting something that might elicit attention from one's peers and lead to a feeling of 'optimal distinctiveness' may also underlie motivations for posting sensational or unethical behaviors," Dara Greenwood, a psychology professor at Vassar College, told HuffPost.

Huffington Post

But the difference between the North and the South is that in the North run-down trailers, loose pitbulls, and burning trash somehow elicit attention, become the objects of fascination, while in the South the landscape of rural poverty is so common that it doesn't elicit so much as a shrug.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A demanding primary task is important in MMN experiments, because the attention switches towards oddball stimuli may elicit attention-related ERP components which may cover the MMN (for the N2/P3a responses to changes in attended emotional faces, see [ 15]).

Behavioral and Brain Functions

This artificial part of himself not only elicits attention but inspires readers to draw parallels with his work.

The New Yorker

Even when e-mail is available, there is nothing that elicits attention more than a personally addressed, stamped letter from someone you know.

The New York Times

She elicited attention in 2006 when, by going through the tour trials, she became the first woman to earn full-time status on the men's tour.

The New York Times - Sports

Sleep disturbance has elicited attention as one important outcome of critical illness.

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elicit attention" when you want to emphasize the act of drawing out or evoking attention from something or someone, often through specific actions or qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "elicit attention" in very formal or academic writing when simpler alternatives like "attract attention" or "draw attention" would be more appropriate and less verbose.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "elicit attention" is that of a verb phrase. It describes the action of something provoking or drawing out attention. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, supporting its functional versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elicit attention" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of provoking or drawing out attention. As Ludwig AI explains, it's suitable for use in written English and appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While "elicit attention" is a valid and useful phrase, simpler alternatives like "attract attention" or "draw attention" may be more appropriate in very formal settings. Ultimately, its effectiveness hinges on the specific context and intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attract attention

Uses "attract" instead of "elicit", highlighting the drawing or pulling in of attention.

draw attention

Emphasizes the act of pulling or directing focus towards something.

capture attention

Focuses on seizing or gaining control of attention.

provoke attention

Replaces "elicit" with "provoke", focusing on causing or triggering attention.

garner attention

Substitutes "elicit" with "garner", emphasizing the act of gathering or acquiring attention.

command attention

Highlights the ability to demand or necessitate attention.

arouse attention

Replaces "elicit" with "arouse", suggesting the stirring up or awakening of attention.

invite attention

Suggests a welcoming or encouraging of attention.

generate interest

Shifts the focus to creating or producing interest.

spark curiosity

Highlights the stimulation of curiosity as a means of gaining attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "elicit attention" to describe something that provokes or draws attention, as in, "The unusual design of the building was intended to elicit attention from passersby."

What are some alternatives to "elicit attention"?

Some alternatives to "elicit attention" include "attract attention", "draw attention", or "garner attention". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "elicit attention" or "attract attention"?

"Elicit attention" and "attract attention" are similar, but "elicit" suggests a more deliberate effort to draw out attention through specific qualities or actions, while "attract" is more general.

What does "elicit" mean in the phrase "elicit attention"?

In the phrase "elicit attention", "elicit" means to evoke or draw out a response, in this case, attention. It implies that something is done to intentionally gain notice.