The phrase "occupy attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any context where you want to express that someone or something is taking up your focus or concentration. For example, "At work I'm trying to focus on my tasks, but the looming deadline is occupying all of my attention."
The Hollywood Reporter suggests that such sluggishness is par for the course: "Acquisitions at Toronto are historically slow the first weekend, as studio fare tends to occupy attention and primetime slots".
Following TV, movie, and even book characters or sports teams can occupy attention and desire for social interaction, while, being essentially unidirectional, providing much less real benefit over time.[1].
Archives|FOREIGN EXCHANGE.; Barring Reaction in Scandinavians, Only Routine Transactions Occupy Attention of Dealers.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE.; Barring Reaction in Scandinavians, Only Routine Transactions Occupy Attention of Dealers.
Now all his passions are coming together in Oak: Digg for occupying attention, app studios that require clarity of vision, the calm precision of wristwatches and the health opportunities of dieting.
Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, commander of the Valley District, to occupy Banks' attention.
"To engage" is to "occupy the attention or efforts of (a person or persons)".
But one student in particular, it seems, came to occupy the attention of its administrators and security officers.
Rappers, teenagers, speakers of a regional or racial or other dialect, all of these should occupy our attention too.
My severe night sweats and hot flashes were so lessened in their intensity that they ceased to occupy my attention.
But for the most part they have plenty on their plate to occupy their attention - drought, global warming, their relations SE Asian neighbors, and so on.
