feign attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feign attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of pretending to pay attention, often in a context where someone is not genuinely engaged. Example: "During the meeting, she tried to feign attention, but her mind was elsewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Getting up at four in the morning had become a grind, but far more taxing, he says, was "trying to feign attention or interest in something you had zero — zero! — interest in".

The New Yorker

They were paid — not enough, not by him — to barely feign attention, scribble a couple of notes, and, as quickly as possible, write a prescription that would propel him, thank God, out of their offices.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Their premise is that the average consumer wants to plan a trip, check on a portfolio, tap e-mail, buy a book or play a game against unseen opponents -- all while driving, walking or feigning attention in a business meeting.

The New York Times - Tech

You hire some "babies," the highly creepy word used to describe the women hired to come and hang out with said men, and to be bought drinks by them in return for feigning attention.

Vice

Look up into your teacher's direction repeatedly, to feign interest and attention.

WikiHow

They no longer even feign to care.

The Guardian - Opinion

Feigning a lack of attention also works.

BBC

Münchausen by Internet is a pattern of behavior in which Internet users seek attention by feigning illnesses in online venues such as chat rooms, message boards, and Internet Relay Chat (IRC).

Wikipedia

This story here about Korea?" Salter feigned enough curiosity to deflect attention from himself.

The New Yorker

And it's something people do all the time: feign emotion to get a certain reaction from others (usually attention or love).

Huffington Post

The staff were concerned I was feigning illness for sympathy, and making my baby ill for attention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feign attention" when you want to emphasize the insincerity or artificiality of someone's attentiveness. It implies a conscious effort to appear interested even when they are not.

Common error

Avoid using "feign attention" in very casual or informal contexts where simpler terms like "pretend to listen" or "fake interest" might be more appropriate. "Feign" carries a slightly more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feign attention" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "feign" (verb) describes the action of pretending or simulating, and "attention" (noun) is the object being feigned. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it's used to describe the act of giving a false impression of being attentive.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feign attention" is a phrase used to describe the act of pretending to pay attention, often implying insincerity or a lack of genuine interest. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While "feign attention" is not as common as simpler alternatives like "pretend to listen" or "fake interest", it adds a layer of formality and emphasizes the artificiality of the act. This phrase is often found in news and media, and should be used when you want to highlight the deliberate effort to appear attentive without real engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fake attention

Uses a more informal term, "fake", to convey the same meaning of pretending to pay attention.

pretend to pay attention

Replaces "feign" with the more common verb "pretend", making the phrase more accessible.

simulate interest

Substitutes "attention" with "interest" and "feign" with "simulate", indicating a deliberate act of mimicking interest.

affect attentiveness

Uses a more formal verb, "affect", to imply putting on a display of attentiveness.

put on an act of paying attention

Emphasizes the performative aspect of pretending to pay attention, highlighting the insincerity.

give the appearance of attention

Focuses on creating an outward impression of attentiveness without genuine engagement.

display artificial interest

Highlights the contrived and insincere nature of the displayed interest.

make a show of attentiveness

Similar to putting on an act, this emphasizes the deliberate and visible attempt to appear attentive.

mimic engagement

Focuses on copying the behaviors associated with genuine engagement.

feign absorption

Replaces "attention" with "absorption", suggesting a deeper level of pretended engagement.

FAQs

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

You can use "feign attention" to describe someone pretending to listen or show interest, such as, "During the long meeting, he tried to "feign attention", but his mind was elsewhere".

What is a more casual way to say "feign attention"?

In less formal settings, consider using phrases like "pretend to listen" or "fake interest" as alternatives to "feign attention".

Is "feign attention" the same as "pay lip service"?

While both imply insincerity, "pay lip service" refers to expressing support or agreement without genuine action, whereas "feign attention" specifically means pretending to listen or be interested.

When is it appropriate to use "feign" over "fake" or "pretend"?

"Feign" is more appropriate in formal or literary contexts. While "fake" and "pretend" are generally interchangeable in casual conversation, "feign" adds a layer of sophistication and can emphasize the artificiality of the action.