provoke attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoke attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that elicits interest from other people or causes them to take notice. For example, "The bright colors and bold designs of her outfit provoked attention from her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Olga Subbotina, one of Moscow's most prominent young directors, agreed and suggested that the author and director were clearly aiming to provoke attention to the plight of modern Russian drama.

The New York Times

The Foundation for the Memorial to the Murdered Jews, which organized the campaign to raise money for the monument, had intended to provoke attention, while leaving the small print on the billboard to convey its real message: "There are still many people who make this claim.

The New York Times

Most news and social media provoke attention by appealing to fear, scarcity, a sense of deficiency or anger.

Forbes

They accused the indigenous women of wearing scant dressing styles intentionally to provoke attention in the township.98 Enraged by the law, the women took to the street to demonstrate, demanding apologies and respect from the colonial authority.

Pastoralism

The aim was to "combine a classical fashion story with instructive content that would not only provoke attention and curiosity but challenge our own convictions and prejudices".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Five won, but the effort provoked attention disproportionate to the dollars and established the group's brand.

The New York Times

He sometimes toted a special crystal used to test atomic clocks, which provoked attention from security officers.

The New York Times - Science

This was not the first time that Trump has provoked attention and fear from people abroad.

Vice

The proper attitude for a young Muslim woman is to be modest, plain, simple, sincere and not someone provoking attention.

WikiHow

The shooting did not provoke much attention.

The New York Times

Even now, as they have crisscrossed the country seeking to provoke media attention, the Phelpses remain a fixture at public parks, government buildings, other churches and graveyards here carrying homemade signs intended to communicate — with their signature subtlety — the view that the acceptance of homosexuality has doomed America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provoke attention" when you want to emphasize the deliberate act of causing someone to notice something, often with the intention of creating a reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "provoke attention" when a more neutral term like "attract attention" or "draw attention" would be more appropriate. "Provoke" often implies a stronger, potentially controversial, reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke attention" functions as a verb + noun construction, where "provoke" acts as a transitive verb taking "attention" as its direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and readily usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provoke attention" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe the action of deliberately eliciting notice or interest. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "attract attention", it carries a nuance of intentionality and potential controversy. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academia. Writers should be mindful of this nuance to ensure appropriate application. The phrase can be substituted with alternatives like "stir attention" or "elicit attention", depending on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stir attention

Replaces "provoke" with "stir", implying a gentler or more subtle instigation of notice.

Trigger attention

Substitutes "provoke" with "trigger", suggesting a more automatic or reactive elicitation of notice.

Arouse attention

Uses "arouse" instead of "provoke", which can imply a more emotional or heightened state of awareness.

Elicit attention

Replaces "provoke" with "elicit", implying a drawing out or extraction of attention.

Spark attention

Similar to "trigger attention", but can also imply excitement or interest.

Draw attention

This phrase is more neutral and indicates attracting attention without necessarily implying intention.

Attract attention

Similar to draw attention, but can imply a magnetic quality that naturally gathers notice.

Gain attention

Focuses on the result of obtaining attention, rather than the act of provoking it.

Command attention

Emphasizes authority or power in gaining attention.

Generate interest

Shifts the focus from attention to the underlying interest that causes people to pay attention.

FAQs

How can I use "provoke attention" in a sentence?

You can use "provoke attention" to describe actions or events that intentionally cause people to notice something. For instance, "The artist's controversial exhibit was designed to "provoke attention" and start a dialogue".

What are some alternatives to "provoke attention"?

You can use alternatives like "stir attention", "elicit attention", or "draw attention" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "provoke attention" and "attract attention"?

"Provoke attention" implies a deliberate and often challenging attempt to gain notice, possibly resulting in controversy. "Attract attention" is more neutral, suggesting a natural or positive draw without necessarily intending a strong reaction.

Is "provoke attention" always used in a negative context?

While "provoke" can sometimes imply a negative reaction, "provoke attention" isn't inherently negative. It simply suggests a strong or intentional effort to gain notice, which could be for positive or neutral purposes. However, it's important to choose your words carefully to avoid unintended negative connotations.