pay close attention to

USAGE SUMMARY

"pay close attention to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when someone is giving instructions or guidance on how to do something, for example: "Pay close attention to the instructions on this page to make sure you assemble the shelf correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pay close attention to sentence structure.

The New York Times

Ability to pay close attention to detail.

Cornell University

Pay close attention to the legal reasoning.

Harvard University

Please pay close attention to signage.

Cornell University

Please pay close attention to deadlines.

Columbia University

Pay close attention to how you're feeling.

Harvard Business Review

Pay close attention to the scale.

The Washington Post

Pay close attention to the standard of review.

Harvard University

Proofread and pay close attention to details – they matter!

Cornell University

Pay close attention to all the processes.

Forbes

Pay close attention to fund overhead expenses.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pay close attention to", ensure the object of your attention is clearly defined. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what they need to focus on.

Common error

While "pay close attention to" is useful, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "observe closely", "take careful note of", or "give careful consideration to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay close attention to" primarily functions as a directive, urging the listener or reader to focus intently on a specific detail, instruction, or aspect. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is widely accepted and used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

32%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pay close attention to" is a versatile and widely used phrase for directing focus and ensuring accuracy. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it is both grammatically correct and highly functional across various contexts. While it finds frequent use in general instructions and news, one should consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. Remember to clearly define the object of attention to avoid ambiguity and vary your phrasing to prevent overuse. With these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively guide your readers to the critical details they need to understand. The most authoritative sources include WikiHow, Huffington Post, Forbes, Cornell and Harvard University.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observe closely

Highlights the act of observing with attention to detail.

take careful note of

Focuses on recording or remembering information accurately.

give careful consideration to

Emphasizes thoughtful deliberation rather than just observation; more formal.

be particularly mindful of

Stresses awareness and thoughtfulness, with a slightly more gentle tone.

focus intently on

Highlights the intensity of focus, suggesting a deeper level of engagement.

keep a sharp eye on

Implies vigilance and readiness to react; less formal.

mind carefully

Highlights being cautious and attentive.

heed attentively

Highlights the act of listening to and following the instructions.

mark well

Emphasizes the importance of remembering or noting something significant; somewhat archaic.

be aware of

Highlights paying attention of something that could happen.

FAQs

How can I use "pay close attention to" in a sentence?

You can use "pay close attention to" to advise someone to carefully observe or consider something, as in "Pay close attention to the details" or "Pay close attention to the instructions".

What are some alternatives to "pay close attention to"?

Alternatives include "observe closely", "take careful note of", "give careful consideration to", or "focus intently on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pay close attention to" formal or informal?

"Pay close attention to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "give careful consideration to" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "pay close attention to" and "pay attention to"?

While both phrases direct someone's focus, "pay close attention to" emphasizes a greater degree of care and thoroughness than simply "pay attention to". The addition of "close" amplifies the intensity of the focus required.