get their attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"get their attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that you are trying to draw someone's focus or to relay a message to them. For example, "I tried to get their attention by shouting, but they still didn't hear me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That ought to get their attention!

The New York Times

Leon coughed to get their attention.

The New Yorker

Signal to get their attention".

The Guardian

"But certainly it helps get their attention".

The New York Times

We can easily get their attention".

The New York Times - Travel

"It is always hard to get their attention.

The New York Times

"It's the only way to get their attention".

The New Yorker

Now that's a rationale that should get their attention.

The New Yorker

I try to get their attention with some silly sounds.

The New Yorker

"You have to wave at them to get their attention".

The New York Times - Style

Hell, I was just trying to get their attention".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When trying to "get their attention" in writing, use strong verbs and vivid language to immediately engage the reader.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on shock value to "get their attention", as this can quickly lose its impact and damage your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get their attention" functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a larger clause. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its purpose is to indicate an action taken to capture someone's focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get their attention" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of capturing someone's focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and general communication. While versatile, it's important to consider the register and choose more formal alternatives like secure their attention in professional settings. Remember to use strong verbs and avoid sensationalism to effectively "get their attention" without losing credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capture their attention

This alternative uses "capture" instead of "get", implying a more immediate and forceful grabbing of attention.

attract their attention

This alternative suggests a more gradual and magnetic pull, using "attract" to draw focus.

draw their attention

This is a neutral alternative, suggesting a deliberate act of guiding focus.

grab their attention

This suggests a sudden and forceful way of getting someone's attention.

gain their attention

Focuses on the outcome, the act of succeeding in getting someone's attention.

secure their attention

Implies a sense of making someone's focus reliably yours.

elicit their attention

This suggests a more subtle and coaxing way of getting attention.

rouse their attention

A more old fashioned phrase that suggests waking someone's attention.

win their attention

Implies a more competitive way of gaining someone's attention.

solicit their attention

This suggests formally requesting or seeking attention.

FAQs

How can I "get their attention" in an email?

Start with a compelling subject line and personalize the message to show you understand their needs. Keep it concise and highlight the benefits for them.

What is a more formal way to say "get their attention"?

Consider using phrases like "secure their attention" or "elicit their attention" in more formal settings.

How to "get their attention" without being annoying?

Focus on providing value and demonstrating that you understand their interests and priorities. Avoid being overly persistent or aggressive.

Is it better to "get their attention" or "earn their attention"?

"Get their attention" implies an immediate grab, while "earn their attention" suggests building trust and respect over time. The best approach depends on the context and your long-term goals.