pay more attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pay more attention" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it any time you want to emphasize that someone should be paying closer attention to something, such as a task or other person. For example: "If you want to pass your exam, you need to pay more attention to your studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can pay more attention to detail.

The Economist

"The teachers pay more attention to you".

The New Yorker

They pay more attention to customer service.

The Economist

They might pay more attention".

The Guardian

Now, to pay more attention.

The Guardian - Sport

"They may pay more attention to detail".

The New York Times

I'd pay more attention – to everything.

The Guardian - Books

Women pay more attention to human factors.

The New Yorker

"People pay more attention," said one man.

The Guardian

We consequently pay more attention to them.

The New York Times

Pay more attention to your name.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, use "pay more attention" to emphasize the importance of a specific detail or aspect of a task. For example, "When baking, pay more attention to the oven temperature to avoid burning the cake."

Common error

Avoid using "pay more attention" when a complete shift of focus is required. Instead, consider phrases like "prioritize" or "re-evaluate" to indicate a broader change in approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay more attention" functions as an imperative, urging someone to increase their focus or awareness on a specific subject or activity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is commonly used to emphasize the importance of detail and vigilance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pay more attention" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to urge increased focus or awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various settings. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended scope, and consider alternatives like "focus more intently" or "give closer scrutiny" for nuanced emphasis. Avoiding overgeneralization can refine its impact, making communication clearer and more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus more intently

Emphasizes the intensity of the focus required.

be more observant

Highlights the act of noticing and being aware.

give closer scrutiny

Suggests a more detailed and critical examination.

concentrate more fully

Focuses on the completeness and depth of concentration.

devote greater focus

Highlights allocating more attention.

take greater heed

Emphasizes being mindful and cautious.

mind more carefully

Suggests a need for more thoughtful consideration.

be more mindful

Emphasizes the importance of being present and aware.

take more notice

Highlights the act of acknowledging something that might have been missed.

apply more diligence

Suggests increased effort and care.

FAQs

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

You can use "pay more attention" to advise someone to focus more on something. For example, "You should "pay more attention" in class if you want to improve your grades."

What's a more formal way to say "pay more attention"?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases like "give closer scrutiny", "devote greater focus", or "exercise greater diligence" as alternatives to ""pay more attention"".

What can I say instead of "pay more attention" in an informal context?

Informally, you might say "keep an eye on", "watch out for", or "focus up" as alternatives to ""pay more attention"".

Is it correct to say "paid more attention"?

Yes, "paid more attention" is the past tense form of ""pay more attention"" and is grammatically correct. For example, "I "paid more attention" to the instructions this time, and I got it right."