grabs the attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grabs the attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that captures someone's interest or focus, often in contexts like advertising, writing, or presentations. Example: "The vibrant colors of the advertisement really grabs the attention of passersby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

But it certainly grabs the attention.

The Guardian - Film

This is not, perhaps, the most important thing about it, but it grabs the attention.

The Guardian - Books

He grabs the attention of a cartoon distributor called Margaret Winkler.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The faculty members hope the letter grabs the attention of the State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.

The New York Times

Faring much better is Chloe Jasmine, who clearly grabs the attention of Cowell, Cole and Louis Walsh.

Independent

As good as the breads, pastries and brunch items are, it's the seasonal prix fixe lunch that grabs the attention.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"You grab the attention".

The New York Times

It does grab the attention, though.

The New York Times

But these are numbers that grab the attention.

The Economist

Jesica's plight grabbed the attention of the United States and Mexico.

The New York Times

The film employs no cheap tactics to grab the attention.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting marketing copy, use "grabs the attention" to highlight elements designed to immediately capture potential customers' interest.

Common error

Avoid using "grabs the attention" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more refined alternatives like "attracts notice" or "draws focus" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grabs the attention" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of something attracting or capturing someone's interest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable way to describe something that immediately captures interest or focus, suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grabs the attention" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe something that immediately attracts interest. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While frequently used in news and media, and more informal settings, it may be replaced with more formal alternatives like "attracts notice" or "draws focus" in academic or highly professional contexts. Its communicative purpose is to highlight the impact and attractiveness of something. Be mindful of the context and target audience to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captures interest

Replaces "grabs" with "captures", focusing on the act of gaining interest.

attracts notice

Substitutes "grabs" with "attracts" and "attention" with "notice", offering a slightly more formal tone.

draws focus

Uses "draws" instead of "grabs" and "focus" instead of "attention", suggesting a deliberate redirection of attention.

catches the eye

Emphasizes the visual aspect of attracting attention.

piques curiosity

Emphasizes the element of curiosity as the driver of attention.

appeals to

Highlights the attractive quality rather than the act of seizing attention.

engages viewers

Focuses on the active involvement of the audience.

becomes the center of attention

Indicates a state of being noticed rather than the action of attracting attention.

wins favor

Suggests achieving a positive response, implying attention is a consequence.

dominates the conversation

Focuses on the topic's prominence in discussion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "grabs the attention" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives such as "attracts notice", "draws focus", or "captures interest" depending on the specific context.

Is "grabs the attention" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "grabs the attention" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for alternatives that maintain a more professional tone, such as "attracts notice" or "gains prominence".

What's a more vivid alternative to "grabs the attention"?

For more vivid alternatives, try "catches the eye" if you're referring to something visual, or "piques curiosity" if you want to emphasize the element of intrigue.

How to use "grabs the attention" effectively in marketing?

In marketing, "grabs the attention" is effective for highlighting features designed to quickly engage potential customers. Use it to emphasize how your product or service immediately "captures interest".