narrow attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a focused or limited concentration on a specific subject or task, often at the expense of broader awareness. Example: "In a world filled with distractions, it's important to cultivate narrow attention to achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This highlights the deficiencies of the Spartan oligarchy, with its narrow attention to valor (cf. Laws, esp.

SEP

Emotion has been shown to enhance subjective remember responses [7], [8], as well as narrow attention during encoding [9].

Plosone

We thus excluded wide and variable attentional focus models from further analysis (i.e. we re-ran our analysis based on narrow attention field assumptions only).

European Journal of Neuroscience

They look beyond paying narrow attention to the physical health of the child and they have expanded their practice to include the relations and interactions in the consultation room.

BMC Family Practice

Whereas the beta range (13 50 Hz) is associated with narrow attention and is the zone in which we carry out task-focused activities, the alpha range (8 12 Hz) is produced during alert relaxed states, including states of mindfulness and other states characterized by open-focus attention, and the theta range (4 8 Hz) is produced when deeply relaxed, day dreaming, or falling asleep.

Harvard Review of Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then, shell-shocked private lenders were strangling the supply of credit and Mr DeMarco's narrow-minded attention to the solvency of Fannie and Freddie only made matters worse.

The Economist

Instead, narrowing attention to the preferred aspects of ourselves vastly oversimplifies who we are, what stands in our way, and what it takes to operate at our best.

Harvard Business Review

Recalling experiences with dissonant leaders negatively activated the right anterior cingulate cortex and activated the right inferior frontal gyrus, bilateral posterior region of the inferior frontal gyrus, and bilateral inferior frontal gyrus/insula; regions associated with the mirror neuron system and related to avoidance, narrowed attention, decreased compassion, and negative emotions.

The Leadership Quarterly

This narrowing attention occurred despite the prominence of the aesthetic attitude theory in modern aesthetics, according to which there is virtually no limit to what can become a source of aesthetic experience.

SEP

As the race narrowed, attention focused on the plans presented by the two leading candidates, Hillary Clinton and the eventual nominee, Barack Obama.

Wikipedia

To balance this narrowed attention, set aside a portion of the day to actively hunt for those moments when someone does something nice for you or you share a special experience with someone.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about cognitive processes, use "narrow attention" to emphasize a deliberate focusing of mental resources, often in response to specific stimuli or tasks.

Common error

While appropriate in scientific or technical contexts, overuse of "narrow attention" can sound overly formal. In more casual writing, consider simpler alternatives like "focus" or "concentration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow attention" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a state of focused or limited concentration, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6.666666666666667%

Encyclopedias

1.6666666666666667%

Formal & Business

1.6666666666666667%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrow attention" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe a focused or restricted state of concentration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used in scientific and academic contexts, as well as in news and media when discussing psychological or cognitive topics. While appropriate for technical writing, remember that simpler alternatives like "focus" or "concentration" might be more suitable for general or informal writing. Be mindful of the specific nuance you intend to convey when choosing between "narrow attention" and similar phrases like "selective attention" or "limited focus".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited focus

Focus is restricted to a smaller area or subject.

restricted attention

Attention is bounded or confined.

focused attention

Attention is purposefully directed toward a specific point.

selective attention

Attention is concentrated on particular stimuli while ignoring others.

concentrated focus

Focus is intensified on a specific area.

limited scope

The extent of attention is reduced.

tunnel vision

Attention is extremely limited, as if looking through a tunnel.

fixed attention

Attention is rigidly directed and unchanging.

reduced awareness

The overall perception of surroundings is diminished.

single-mindedness

Attention is dedicated to one specific purpose or goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow attention" to describe a state of focused concentration, such as: "Stress can create tunnel vision and ultimately "narrow attention" to just think about that one thing that is causing you stress."

What are some alternatives to "narrow attention"?

Consider using phrases like "limited focus", "restricted attention", or "focused attention" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "narrow attention" most appropriate?

"Narrow attention" is often used in scientific, academic, and technical writing to describe cognitive processes, experimental conditions, or specific psychological states.

What's the difference between "narrow attention" and "selective attention"?

"Narrow attention" generally refers to a reduction in the scope of attention, while "selective attention" implies a deliberate choice to focus on certain stimuli while ignoring others. Though related, "selective attention" involves an element of active choice.