please pay attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please pay attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to politely tell someone to focus, and is commonly seen in written instructions, emails, and other forms of communication. For example, you might write: "Please pay attention to the instructions below before submitting your application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Please, please, pay attention.

The Guardian

"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

Code style: Please pay attention to style.

Cornell University

"Please pay attention to Chinese track and field.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Do, please, pay attention to the importance of grammar in the phrase "them patio doors".

Independent

►Please pay attention to your out-of-office messages.

Los Angeles Times

"It's our way of telling him, 'Please pay attention to us.

Los Angeles Times

"If we start dreaming about a certain thing over and over or having similar types of dreams, it's basically our psyche telling us, 'Please pay attention to me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please pay attention" in written communication, ensure it's followed by a clear and concise explanation of what requires attention to maximize comprehension and minimize ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "please pay attention" in informal settings where a simpler request like "hey, look at this" would suffice. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please pay attention" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing the listener or reader to focus their awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to politely draw someone's focus. The numerous examples show its deployment to request attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please pay attention" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative phrase used to politely request someone's focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from neutral news reports to professional business communications. While versatile, it's best used when emphasizing the importance of specific information or instructions, avoiding overuse in purely casual scenarios. Related phrases such as ""listen carefully"" or ""focus your attention"" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

listen carefully

Directs someone to listen with extra focus and intent.

focus your attention

Emphasizes the act of directing one's focus towards something specific.

kindly focus

Replaces "please pay attention" with a slightly more formal and concise request for focus.

be attentive

Offers a direct and slightly more formal command to be observant.

lend me your attention

Uses a more figurative expression, requesting someone's focus in a polite manner.

take note

Suggests to observe and remember something important, rather than just listen.

consider this

Suggests that the listener should think carefully about what is being said.

mind you

A colloquial phrase used to draw someone's attention to a particular point.

be aware

Highlights being conscious and informed about something.

heed this

Implies that the listener should not only pay attention, but also follow the advice given.

FAQs

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

You can use "please pay attention" to politely direct someone's focus. For instance, "Please pay attention to the safety instructions before operating the machinery."

What can I say instead of "please pay attention"?

Alternatives include "listen carefully", "be attentive", or "focus your attention", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "pay attention please" instead of "please pay attention"?

While "pay attention please" is grammatically correct and understandable, "please pay attention" is generally considered more polite and standard in contemporary English.

When is it most appropriate to use "please pay attention"?

It's suitable in situations where you need to politely emphasize the importance of focusing on specific information or instructions, especially in formal or professional settings.