having attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"having attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as to describe someone or something that is receiving attention or being noticed. For example, "Cate's new film was so well-received, it had everyone's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"So they're labelled as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and given drugs like Ritalin".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The teams go into Michael Vaughuddlesue huddles before the scrum can happen as AW Jones is having attention.

The Guardian - Sport

Expelled from more than one school, the young Fry would now be labelled as having attention deficit disorder.

The Guardian

At 5, he was diagnosed as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and later put on Ritalin and then Concerta.

The New York Times

Now 39, Ms. Gordon laughs loudly when describing the benefits and drawbacks of having attention deficit disorder.

The New York Times

While with the Giants, he received treatment and counseling and attributed his problems to being an alcoholic and having attention deficit disorder.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

While these children are often misdiagnosed as having attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder, they may actually be old souls reincarnated.

The New Yorker

"But he can't have attention deficit, I know that".

The New York Times - Health

"He doesn't have attention deficit," I said.

The New York Times

She has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Wikipedia

I have attention problems like everyone else.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having attention", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is giving or receiving the attention. This makes the sentence more precise and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "having attention" when you mean "paying attention". "Having attention" implies receiving attention, while "paying attention" implies giving it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having attention" typically functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It signifies the state or process of receiving focus or notice. Ludwig's examples show this phrase being used in various contexts to indicate that something is being observed or considered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having attention" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes the state of receiving focus or notice. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While it appears frequently in news and media sources, it's also present in science and wiki articles. It's crucial to differentiate "having attention" from "paying attention", as they have opposite meanings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies who or what is receiving the focus to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "receiving focus" or "drawing notice" can be used for variety, but attention to precise meaning is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being noticed

Simple and direct way of saying someone or something is being observed.

receiving focus

Emphasizes the act of being the recipient of concentrated interest.

drawing notice

Highlights the act of attracting attention.

attracting awareness

Focuses on the act of gaining recognition or consciousness.

gaining prominence

Indicates an increase in importance or visibility.

commanding interest

Highlights the ability to captivate and hold someone's attention.

getting consideration

Suggests that something is being thought about or taken into account.

undergoing scrutiny

Implies a detailed and critical examination.

attracting eyeballs

Informal way of saying something is attracting visual attention.

being heeded

Implies that advice or warnings are being paid attention to.

FAQs

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

You can use "having attention" to indicate that someone or something is receiving focus or notice. For example, "Despite the scandal, the project is still "having attention" from investors".

What are some alternatives to "having attention"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "receiving focus", "attracting awareness", or "gaining prominence".

Is it correct to say "having attention" or should I use a different phrasing?

"Having attention" is grammatically correct, but ensure it accurately reflects your intended meaning. If you mean someone is giving attention, use "paying attention" instead.

What's the difference between "having attention" and "paying attention"?

"Having attention" means to receive focus or notice, while "paying attention" means to give focus or notice to something. They have opposite meanings.