shift attention to

USAGE SUMMARY

"shift attention to" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of moving someone's focus to something else, either mentally or physically. For example: The teacher shifted attention to the next slide in the presentation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Introducing a relative-poverty line would help shift attention to this larger problem of social exclusion.

The New Yorker

Mr Peña has helped to shift attention to Mexico's perky economy rather than its gruesome violence.

The Economist

Mr. Romney's Republican allies in Michigan are seeking to shift attention to other topics.

The New York Times

As much as Mr. Blair wants to shift attention to domestic policy, that debate needs to proceed.

The New York Times

Perhaps the arrival of Born to Die will silence the controversy and shift attention to the songs.

The Guardian - Music

Putin's delaying strategy may be to shift attention to the reduction of offensive missiles, with legions of experts drawn up in what Churchill called "vast cumbrous array".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Its longtime ally, the United States, is shifting attention to East Asia.

The New York Times

The setbacks shifted attention to Mr. Berlusconi's one-year sentence, which is to begin Tuesday.

The New York Times

This is shifting attention to Mr Miliband's deficiencies as leader.

The Economist

But the increase in reserves shifts attention to the insurance business.

The New York Times

As September ends, investors are shifting attention to profits and losses and whether corporate earnings are signaling a rebound.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shift attention to" when you want to explicitly indicate a change in focus from one subject to another. This is especially useful in persuasive writing or when outlining a strategic change.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when "shift attention to" requires an active subject. For example, instead of "Attention was shifted to..." use "The speaker shifted attention to...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift attention to" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates an action of redirecting focus from one subject or point to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shift attention to" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate a change in focus or emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase serves to redirect focus, influence perception, and guide the audience's attention. While maintaining a neutral register, "shift attention to" proves valuable for persuasive writing and strategic communication. Remember to actively employ the phrase with active subjects and choose fitting alternatives like "redirect focus to" or "draw attention to" based on your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

redirect focus to

Replaces "shift attention" with "redirect focus", emphasizing a more intentional change in direction.

turn the spotlight on

Uses a metaphorical expression, suggesting a highlighting of a particular subject.

draw attention to

Emphasizes the act of attracting attention, rather than shifting it from something else.

focus attention on

Highlights the concentration of attention on a specific subject, rather than movement.

reorient towards

Implies a change in direction or alignment, suitable when discussing strategies or goals.

move the emphasis to

Replaces attention with emphasis, useful when discussing the weighting of different aspects.

bring into focus

Suggests clarifying or making something more prominent, similar to highlighting.

give prominence to

Indicates highlighting or prioritizing something over other things.

devote attention to

Emphasizes dedication and concentration on a particular subject.

concentrate on

Focuses on the act of concentrating rather than the act of shifting focus.

FAQs

How can I use "shift attention to" in a sentence?

You can use "shift attention to" to indicate a change in focus, such as "The politician tried to "shift attention to" the economy instead of the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "shift attention to"?

Alternatives include "redirect focus to", "draw attention to", or "focus attention on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "shift attention to" or "focus attention on"?

"Shift attention to" implies a change from one thing to another, while "focus attention on" simply means to concentrate on something. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the change in focus.

What's the difference between "shift attention to" and "turn the spotlight on"?

"Shift attention to" is a more literal expression, while "turn the spotlight on" is a more figurative way to describe giving prominence to something.