pay attention please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pay attention please" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to request someone's focus or concentration on a particular matter or instruction. Example: "Before we begin the presentation, I would like everyone to pay attention please to the following important points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He said: "Pay attention please.

The New York Times

"Pay attention, please pay attention," he implored the jury.

The New York Times

Jonathan Monk restates the words of Mr. Nauman's 1973 collage "Please Pay Attention Please" in light too, playing on the phrase's near-symmetry by way of a laser in a box that flashes the words on a wall one at a time.

The New York Times - Arts

Pay attention, please.

Huffington Post

Examining Personal Media Habits Learn Your Lesson: Using Effective Study Strategies Get It Done: Learning to Be Your Own Homework Coach Keep It Clean Pay Attention, Please!

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Pay attention now, please; there's a lot that can go wrong here.

Vice

Please, please, pay attention.

The Guardian

Please pay attention to every detail, and please make sure you listen to the people in this community.' " Mr. Hooper said he was initially intimidated by the surfers.

The New York Times

"Please pay attention," she said.

The New York Times

Please pay attention this time!

The New Yorker

Now, please pay attention to the road".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience's expectations. In more formal settings, alternatives like "kindly pay attention" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "pay attention please" in casual conversations or when interacting with close friends. It can sound overly formal or even condescending in relaxed environments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay attention please" functions as an imperative, directly urging the listener to focus. Ludwig shows that the phrase is used to request focus on an important matter, in a direct yet courteous manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pay attention please" is a grammatically sound and polite way to request someone's focus. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is valid and usable in written English. While considered correct, its frequency is uncommon, making it suitable for professional, news and media contexts where clarity and attention are crucial. Related phrases include "kindly pay attention" and "your attention please", offering slight variations in formality. When writing, be mindful of the tone and setting to determine the most appropriate way to ask for someone's attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pay close attention

Emphasizes the degree of attention required.

Kindly pay attention

Replaces "please" with "kindly", increasing formality slightly.

Please be attentive

Substitutes "pay attention" with the adjective "attentive", changing the structure.

Your attention please

More direct and often used in announcements.

Focus your attention

Emphasizes directing focus, using a more active verb.

Be mindful of this

Shifts the focus to being aware and thoughtful.

Take note of this

Highlights the importance of remembering something.

Listen carefully

Specifically emphasizes the act of listening with intent.

I need your attention

States the speaker's need for the listener's focus, more direct and personal.

Heed this carefully

Uses "heed" for a more formal and cautionary tone.

FAQs

How can I use "pay attention please" in a sentence?

"Pay attention please" is typically used to politely request someone's focus. For example: "Pay attention please, I have an important announcement to make."

What's a more formal alternative to "pay attention please"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "kindly pay attention" or "your attention please".

When is it inappropriate to use "pay attention please"?

Avoid using "pay attention please" in very casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or even rude. In those cases, a simple "listen up" or "hey guys" might be more suitable.

Is "pay attention please" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pay attention please" is grammatically correct, although it may sound slightly old-fashioned in some contexts. It's a polite imperative used to request focus.