pay attention to detail

USAGE SUMMARY

'pay attention to detail' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase in both formal and informal writing. For example, "It's important to always pay attention to detail when completing any project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I pay attention to detail.

The Guardian

The Devils simply need to pay attention to detail.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's amazing if you pay attention to detail".

The New York Times - Travel

That's how much the good ones pay attention to detail.

The New York Times - Sports

In a good way, however, all this "buzz" forces them to pay attention to detail.

The Guardian - Music

For Edwards, "Be on time" is another way to say "Pay attention to detail".

The New York Times - Sports

But users need to be patient and able to pay attention to detail.

The New York Times

I also saw people who didn't pay attention to detail, which I think will sink you every time.

The New York Times

"Simple bit of five-minute dialogue at the start, then they don't pay attention to detail like this.

Independent

"When I say you pay attention to detail, you can't do it out of a sense of duty," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Unkempt hair and nails, for example, may give the impression that you don't pay attention to detail or are disorganized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or giving feedback, use "pay attention to detail" to emphasize the importance of accuracy and thoroughness in the task at hand.

Common error

While "pay attention to detail" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in a single document. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "be meticulous" or "focus on the specifics" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay attention to detail" functions as an imperative, urging someone to be observant and thorough. Ludwig AI shows its prevalence in contexts where accuracy is paramount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pay attention to detail" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the importance of accuracy and thoroughness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. Related phrases such as ""focus on the specifics"" and "be meticulous" offer alternative ways to convey a similar message. Remember to use the phrase judiciously and vary your language to maintain reader engagement. While "pay attention to detail" is universally relevant, its specific application and nuance can vary depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on the specifics

Emphasizes concentrating on particular aspects, rather than a broader view.

be meticulous

Highlights the need for thoroughness and precision.

exercise diligence

Stresses the importance of careful and persistent effort.

observe carefully

Focuses on attentive observation and scrutiny.

show attentiveness

Indicates a demonstration of being observant and mindful.

take heed of the fine print

Implies careful consideration of subtle aspects.

examine closely

Suggests scrutinizing something with great care.

mind the small things

Emphasizes the importance of not overlooking seemingly insignificant matters.

be thorough in your analysis

Highlights a comprehensive and detailed assessment.

consider every aspect

Focuses on ensuring no element is overlooked during evaluation.

FAQs

How can I ask someone to "pay attention to detail" without sounding demanding?

You could rephrase it as "It's important to "focus on the specifics"" or "exercise diligence in this task to ensure accuracy."

What's the difference between "pay attention to detail" and "be meticulous"?

"Pay attention to detail" is a general call to be observant, while "be meticulous" implies a higher level of thoroughness and precision.

When is it most important to "pay attention to detail"?

It's especially crucial to "pay attention to detail" in situations where errors can have significant consequences, such as in legal documents, financial reports, or scientific research.

What skills are associated with the ability to "pay attention to detail"?

Skills associated with the ability to "pay attention to detail" include strong observation skills, analytical thinking, focus, and concentration.