seek attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to imply that someone is trying to draw interest from others, either for a particular purpose or just for personal gain. For example: Social media can be a powerful platform for influencers to seek attention from a large audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He does not seek attention.

The New York Times - Sports

They seek attention in a noisy marketplace.

The Guardian

He doesn't seek attention for what he's doing.

The New York Times

Why is that? A. A lot of it is just he doesn't kind of seek attention.

The New York Times

Doyon was distraught, but he continued to hack — and to seek attention.

The New Yorker

He added, "I seek attention, but there's nothing wrong with that".

The New York Times

Dawan is soft-spoken and does not seek attention away from the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Surreal because I'm not the type to seek attention or get it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor does her artwork seek attention simply for its own sake.

The New York Times

The nature of these virtually guarantees what all terrorists seek: attention.

The Guardian

Jones described Martin as a controlling man who "fakes" his remorse to seek attention.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider whether "seek attention" accurately reflects the character's motivations or the objective of the action being described. Alternatives may offer a more nuanced depiction.

Common error

Avoid using "seek attention" excessively in formal or academic writing. It can sometimes sound judgmental. Instead, opt for more neutral phrases like "attract interest" or "garner support" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek attention" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it describes the act of attempting to attract notice or interest. This typically involves intentional actions designed to gain recognition from others, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seek attention" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of trying to attract notice or interest from others. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use across news media, scientific publications, and general contexts. The connotations can range from neutral to slightly negative, implying a need for validation. When writing, consider the context and the character's motivations to ensure the most accurate and nuanced depiction. Alternatives like "pursue recognition" or "attract interest" can offer a more precise meaning, depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue recognition

Focuses on the act of actively trying to gain acknowledgement.

desire notice

Directly expresses the wish to be noticed.

court publicity

Emphasizes the act of trying to attract public notice.

crave recognition

Highlights a strong desire for acknowledgement.

fish for compliments

Implies attempting to get positive remarks from others.

attract interest

Focuses on making something appealing or intriguing.

invite observation

Suggests an openness to being watched or scrutinized.

grab the spotlight

Emphasizes taking center stage or becoming the main focus.

generate buzz

Implies creating excitement or talk around something.

demand consideration

Implies a forceful request for attention and thought.

FAQs

How to use "seek attention" in a sentence?

You can use "seek attention" to describe someone trying to gain notice. For example: "The politician used controversial statements to "seek attention" during the campaign."

What can I say instead of "seek attention"?

You can use alternatives like "pursue recognition", "court publicity", or "desire notice" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "seek attention"?

It's appropriate when describing actions intended to attract notice, whether positive or negative. Be mindful of the connotation, as it can imply a neediness or manipulative intent.

What's the difference between "seek attention" and "garner attention"?

"Seek attention" implies actively trying to get noticed, while "garner attention" suggests receiving attention as a result of one's actions or qualities, without necessarily intending to do so.