sharp attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high level of focus or concentration on something specific. Example: "The teacher's sharp attention to detail helped the students understand the complex topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

They drew the sharp attention of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence services, and that continues.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some dances begin with a bang — of sound, of motion, of light — which can bring an audience to sharp attention right away.

The New Yorker

It still is, but where once there were gaming tables in the lobbies, now sharp attention is paid to the opera.

The Guardian - Music

It calls on applicants with - among other things - excellent writing and communications skills, excellent IT skills and a sharp attention to detail.

The Guardian

Mr. Kahn went on to start two chains of health food stores, Fresh Fields and Nation's Heartland, which combined sharp attention to the demands of fitness-conscious consumers with price-conscious marketing.

The New York Times

Levy suggests a series of self-observation exercises — things like devoting sharp attention to how we think about and use e-mail, or considering what prompts us to switch focus while multitasking online.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Each star has a few abrupt moments of simulating anger or sorrow via sharp, attention-grabbing technique.

The New York Times

He pushed his fedora up on his head a bit, sat down at the piano, and fingered out a sharp, attention-getting "Shave and a haircut, two bits!" Eastwood laughed along with him and then began to ask deferential questions about the origin of the piano blues.

The New Yorker

Wittingly or not, the laser-sharp attention given to the minutiae of parliamentarians' expenses has helped take the heat off the denial of climate change, the resistance to fundamental change in international fiscal controls, the opposition to strengthening international instruments to bring tyrants and human rights abusers to book.

The Guardian - Opinion

An article on Tuesday about the effects of clothing on cognitive processes misstated the name of the journal that published a recent study showing that wearing a doctor's white coat led subjects to pay sharper attention.

The New York Times

And it has focused sharper attention on what many experts agree is one of the tax code's biggest problems: an array of tax breaks totaling more than $1 trillion a year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance your writing by using "sharp attention" to highlight crucial details or observations, making your argument more persuasive and credible.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp attention" when describing a general or passive observation. "Sharp attention" implies a deliberate and focused effort, not just a casual glance or awareness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp attention" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "sharp" modifies the noun "attention". It indicates a high degree of focus, keenness, and precision in one's attentiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sharp attention" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to convey a high degree of focus and precision. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Although "sharp attention" is not as common as other similar phrases, it appears across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business writing. Use "sharp attention" to emphasize the intensity and quality of focus when describing a keen observation or attentiveness to detail. Consider alternatives such as ""keen attentiveness"" or "focused awareness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen attentiveness

Replaces 'sharp' with 'keen' and 'attention' with 'attentiveness', emphasizing eagerness and focus.

focused awareness

Substitutes 'sharp' with 'focused', highlighting concentration and 'attention' with 'awareness', pointing to consciousness.

close observation

Indicates careful and detailed watching or monitoring, using 'close' to modify 'observation'.

diligent observation

Changes 'sharp' to 'diligent' to mean consistent effort, and 'attention' to 'observation', which refers to the act of noticing something

earnest focus

Highlights sincerity and concentration, replacing 'sharp' with 'earnest' and 'attention' with 'focus'.

intense scrutiny

Replaces 'attention' with 'scrutiny', suggesting a more critical and detailed examination.

heightened vigilance

Suggests increased alertness and watchfulness, with 'vigilance' replacing 'attention'.

meticulous consideration

Emphasizes thoroughness and care in thought, replacing 'sharp' with 'meticulous' and 'attention' with 'consideration'.

acute perceptiveness

Highlights keen insight and understanding, substituting 'sharp' with 'acute' and 'attention' with 'perceptiveness'.

careful scrutiny

Suggests meticulous examination, swapping 'sharp' for 'careful' and 'attention' with 'scrutiny'.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sharp attention" in a sentence?

Use "sharp attention" to describe a deliberate and focused effort, for example: "The detective's "keen attentiveness" to detail helped solve the case."

What are some alternatives to using "sharp attention" in my writing?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "focused awareness", "diligent observation", or "intense scrutiny".

When is it appropriate to use "sharp attention" versus a simpler term like "attention"?

"Sharp attention" is best used when you want to emphasize the intensity and precision of the focus. Use "attention" for more general references.

Can "sharp attention" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While generally suitable for formal writing, "sharp attention" can also be used in informal contexts where you want to highlight a particularly keen or focused awareness. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and audience.