fleeting attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting attention" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a short period of focused interest or awareness. For example: I only have fleeting attention for this project, so I need to focus my energy on the task at hand.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

In the deluge, excellent projects receive the same fleeting attention as mediocre ones.

Columbia University

But the temptation of capturing even fleeting attention from so many leaders proved irresistible.

The New York Times

Do we crave fleeting attention at the expense of meaningful achievement?

The Guardian

"I couldn't reason or decide, my memory was shot and I had a fleeting attention span".

The Guardian

Coalitions are fleeting; attention spans are short; issues arise so rapidly that comprehensive policymaking is all but impossible.

Harvard Business Review

Still, the matter drew only fleeting attention at the time; Lopez was, after all, married, to Cris Judd, a dancer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The Oval Office used to be described as a chaotic "Grand Central Station," mobbed with warring satraps hustling for the President's fleeting attentions.

The New Yorker

Engagement flows from a management system, not from the often fleeting attentions of well-meaning managers.

Forbes

The town's curious history has drawn fleeting national attention over the years.

The Guardian

The pronouncements sometimes brag of past plots or warn of new ones, and most attract only fleeting media attention.

The New York Times

But aides to Mr. Stringer said he had captured something less fleeting: the attention and affection of voters who are repelled by Mr. Spitzer's lawbreaking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting attention" to describe situations where something receives only a brief or superficial level of focus, such as in advertising or fast-paced media environments. Avoid using it when describing prolonged or in-depth engagement.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overuse of "fleeting attention" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "brief consideration" or "limited focus" for added gravitas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting attention" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "fleeting" modifies the noun "attention". It typically describes the quality of attention being brief and temporary, as highlighted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fleeting attention" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe brief or temporary focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing situations where engagement is superficial or short-lived. While generally versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. For formal or academic writing, alternatives like "brief consideration" or "limited focus" might offer a more precise nuance. Ultimately, understanding the specific context is crucial for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief focus

Emphasizes the short duration of the focus.

short-lived interest

Highlights the temporary nature of the interest.

transient awareness

Highlights the temporary nature of the awareness.

momentary consideration

Focuses on the brief period of thought or deliberation.

temporary preoccupation

Focuses on the short period of being absorbed in something.

passing notice

Underscores the lack of sustained awareness.

quick glance

Highlights the speed and brevity of the visual inspection.

limited observation

Stresses the restricted scope of the observation.

cursory look

Implies a superficial or hasty examination.

superficial engagement

Emphasizes the lack of deep involvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "fleeting attention" to describe situations where something or someone receives brief or temporary focus. For example: "Advertisers often try to capture the "fleeting attention" of consumers with eye-catching visuals."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "fleeting attention"?

Alternatives include "brief focus", "short-lived interest", or "momentary consideration", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "fleeting attention span"?

Yes, "fleeting attention span" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a limited capacity to maintain focus.

What's the difference between "fleeting attention" and "sustained attention"?

"Fleeting attention" refers to a brief, temporary focus, while "sustained attention" implies a prolonged and consistent level of focus.