pays close attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pays close attention' is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to pay careful or thorough attention to something. Example: It is important to pay close attention to the instructions before using the new equipment to avoid any accidents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Finlay pays close attention to metaphor".

The Guardian - Arts

Dench pays close attention to her audience.

The New Yorker

When his patients describe odd beliefs, he pays close attention.

The New Yorker

It's plainspoken and pays close attention to a certain disappearing brand of manners and morals.

The New York Times - Books

An accomplished poet, Liu pays close attention to the power of language.

The New York Times - Books

Deitch also pays close attention to sales results, which sometimes lead to new opportunities.

The New Yorker

It's a film about murder that pays close attention to the business of living.

The Guardian - Film

Norquist pays close attention to what the "other team" is doing.

The New Yorker

Vocally, Mr. Holmes is a solid belter who pays close attention to lyrics.

The New York Times - Arts

The Getty, more than LACMA, also pays close attention to Mapplethorpe's images of nude black men.

The Guardian

Just listen to songs like Forgot About Dre; he pays close attention to his haters.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the importance of what is being observed, follow "pays close attention" with specific details or reasons. This strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "pays close attention" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "observes carefully" or "monitors closely" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pays close attention" functions as a verbal phrase indicating active and careful observation. Ludwig examples showcase it describing actions in diverse fields, from art to science, highlighting attentiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pays close attention" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates careful and deliberate observation. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and finds its most frequent applications in News & Media and Science. To enhance your writing, ensure clarity in subject definition and avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "gives careful consideration" or "keeps a sharp eye on". By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and register, you can effectively use "pays close attention" to convey the importance of observation in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gives careful consideration

Emphasizes the thoughtful evaluation aspect.

keeps a sharp eye on

Highlights vigilance and monitoring.

is highly observant of

Focuses on the ability to notice details.

scrutinizes carefully

Implies a thorough and critical examination.

takes particular note of

Stresses the act of specifically noticing something.

focuses intently on

Emphasizes the concentration and focus of attention.

monitors closely

Highlights regular observation over a period of time.

is acutely aware of

Emphasizes a heightened sense of awareness.

applies meticulous scrutiny to

Highlights detailed and precise examination.

remains vigilant about

Emphasizes ongoing alertness and watchfulness.

FAQs

What does "pays close attention" mean?

The phrase "pays close attention" means to give careful and thorough consideration to something; it implies a deliberate effort to observe and understand details.

How can I use "pays close attention" in a sentence?

You can use "pays close attention" to describe someone's actions, for example: "The researcher "pays close attention" to the data collected during the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "pays close attention"?

Some alternatives include "gives careful consideration", "keeps a sharp eye on", and "is highly observant of", each varying slightly in emphasis.

Is it better to say "pay close attention" or "pays close attention"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "pay close attention" for plural subjects or 'I' and 'you', and "pays close attention" for singular, third-person subjects like 'he', 'she', or 'it'.