painstaking attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"painstaking attention" is correct and usable in written English, and can be used to refer to the care and effort taken when performing a task or carrying out a task with close attention to detail.
For example: "He paid painstaking attention to every detail when cleaning the car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So much painstaking attention to detail.

The Guardian - Film

The painstaking attention to detail does not end with the testing.

The New York Times

It is simple, incremental and requires painstaking attention to what the customers want.

The Economist

Richard Pisacano, the vineyard manager, gave the vines painstaking attention, Mr. Roth said.

The New York Times

Painstaking attention to detail is evident throughout the 400-square-foot boat, which sleeps four.

The New York Times

Boardwalk Empire's secret is a painstaking attention to historical accuracy that makes it all seem so effortlessly cool.

Independent

Superdry clothes feature good-quality fabrics, vintage designs, an eye-catching logo and painstaking attention to detail.

The New York Times

At Dutch Kills, on a film-noirish stretch of Jackson Avenue, painstaking attention is paid to ice.

The New York Times - Magazine

Efficiency is paramount at Kura: absent are the traditional sushi chefs and their painstaking attention to detail.

The New York Times

For him, violating norms and expectations seems to be a craft that demands painstaking attention to detail.

The New Yorker

And, if you consider painstaking attention to detail a sign of luxury, it was one of the most luxurious, too.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that requires accuracy, use "painstaking attention" to emphasize the need for carefulness and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "painstaking attention" in contexts where simple care or general diligence is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound overwrought and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painstaking attention" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "painstaking" modifies the noun "attention". It typically serves to describe the quality or degree of focus applied to a task or subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to describe care and effort taken, with close attention to detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "painstaking attention" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a high degree of care, detail, and effort put into something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability for describing a task carried out with close attention to detail. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that it is most frequently found in "News & Media" sources, followed by Encyclopedias, and Science related content, suggesting a versatile application across various contexts. To enhance your writing, use "painstaking attention" when you want to emphasize the meticulous nature of a task. However, it's important to avoid overuse, as it can make your writing sound excessive. Consider alternatives like "meticulous care" or "diligent focus" to maintain variety and precision in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous care

Replaces "attention" with "care", suggesting a nurturing and protective focus rather than just observation.

diligent focus

Emphasizes the effort and perseverance involved in maintaining attention.

scrupulous detail

Shifts the focus to the details themselves, implying that they are examined with great precision.

thorough scrutiny

Suggests a more critical and investigative form of attention, implying a search for flaws or inconsistencies.

careful consideration

Highlights the thoughtfulness and deliberation involved in the process.

detailed examination

Focuses on a close and comprehensive analysis.

rigorous inspection

Implies a formal and strict form of examination.

conscientious observation

Highlights the moral dimension of being observant.

painful deliberation

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential emotional toll of giving close attention.

exhaustive analysis

Suggests a complete and comprehensive examination, leaving no stone unturned.

FAQs

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

You can use "painstaking attention" to describe someone's careful and detailed focus on a task. For example, "The artist devoted painstaking attention to every brushstroke".

What are some alternatives to "painstaking attention"?

Some alternatives include "meticulous care", "diligent focus", or "thorough scrutiny", depending on the context.

Is "painstaking attention to detail" redundant?

While "detail" is often implied when using "painstaking attention", including it explicitly emphasizes the focus on specific elements. Whether it's redundant depends on the desired level of emphasis.

What is the difference between "careful attention" and "painstaking attention"?

"Careful attention" implies a general level of caution and accuracy, while "painstaking attention" suggests a more extreme and meticulous focus, often involving significant effort and time.