seeking attention

USAGE SUMMARY

'seeking attention' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone is behaving in a way to get attention from other people. For example, "He always talks loudly and interrupts others, clearly seeking attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— Seeking attention for your start-up?

The New York Times - Tech

Others, however, are seeking attention.

The Washington Post

They thought I was just seeking attention.

The Guardian - Travel

But a new generation of redheads is explicitly seeking attention.

The New York Times

It is the petty politics of the opposition seeking attention".

The Guardian

The mayor, museum officials said, was the one seeking attention.

The New York Times

When they self-harm, guards shout or accuse them of seeking attention.

Independent

A humble giant, Eugene Ferkauf was kind, generous and was a major philanthropist never seeking attention.

The New York Times

Mr. Nolan did not appear to be seeking attention when he took on Mr. O'Reilly.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama responded Tuesday by implying that Mr. Graham was simply seeking attention.

The New York Times

Most are pranks by children seeking attention; some are murkier attempts by parents to gain compensation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions, use "seeking attention" to clearly indicate the motivation behind the behavior.

Common error

Be careful not to automatically assume negative intent when someone is "seeking attention". Their motivations could stem from a need for support or connection rather than mere vanity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking attention" functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe the action or behavior of a subject. It specifies the purpose or motivation behind someone's actions, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking attention" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe behaviors intended to gain notice or recognition. According to Ludwig AI, it’s a perfectly valid phrase to describe someone behaving in a way to get attention from other people. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While sometimes carrying a negative connotation, it can also simply describe a need for connection or validation. Alternatives include "attention-seeking behavior" and "desiring attention". When writing, it’s crucial to avoid misinterpreting the underlying motivations behind such behavior, and to use the phrase accurately to describe the intent behind an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attention-seeking behavior

Focuses on the behavior itself rather than the act of seeking.

desiring attention

Emphasizes the desire or craving for attention.

craving attention

Highlights a strong need or longing for attention.

fishing for compliments

Implies indirectly seeking attention through praise.

showing off

Suggests an ostentatious display intended to garner attention.

clamoring for attention

Emphasizes a noisy or insistent demand for attention.

playing to the gallery

Implies behaving in a way to appeal to a specific audience for attention.

in search of recognition

Focuses on the need for acknowledgement or validation.

looking for validation

Highlights the need for external approval or confirmation.

wanting to be noticed

Directly expresses the desire for others to pay attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "seeking attention" to describe someone's behavior when they are trying to get noticed, for example: "He was clearly "seeking attention" by interrupting the speaker".

What are some alternative ways to say "seeking attention"?

Alternatives to "seeking attention" include "attention-seeking behavior", "desiring attention", or "craving attention", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always negative to describe someone as "seeking attention"?

Not necessarily. While "seeking attention" can sometimes imply a negative connotation, it can also simply describe someone's need for validation or connection.

What is the difference between "seeking attention" and "showing off"?

"Seeking attention" is a broader term that describes any behavior intended to get noticed, while "showing off" specifically implies an ostentatious display of one's abilities or possessions.