shift the attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shift the attention" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to redirect one's focus or concentration onto something else. Example: "In order to solve this problem, we need to shift the attention away from the symptoms and towards the root cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Before the game, Francona tried to shift the attention from Ortiz's issues and back to the field.

The New York Times - Sports

"I love the way the players who have played, have played," Walsh said, trying to shift the attention away from Marbury.

The New York Times - Sports

Choueiri: "Both techniques — the magician's and that behind the BACCH filter — rely on using imperfection to shift the attention from the palpable to the subliminal".

The New Yorker

"One of the major goals of this project was to shift the attention," said Earl Martin, a curator of the exhibition.

The New York Times

Not even a World Series title could shift the attention away from the Broncos, but the Rockies, with its band of homegrown players and a dynamic bullpen, seem built to contend next year and beyond.

The New York Times - Sports

However the public feels about Pakistani involvement, it will not let the GOI off hook for its failure to prevent the Mumbai attacks if it tries to shift the attention and blame to Pakistan.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The selection of Croft shifts the attention slightly away from the breakdown, back to the set-piece.

The Guardian - Sport

While the death of an elderly parent or an ailing sibling works in theory, it shifts the attention away from the prodigal child.

The New York Times - Books

After a while, I think my friendship with Judy became about shifting the attention she paid to others to the photographer herself.

The New Yorker

By shifting the attention from mother to child, the anti-abortion lobby hopes to increase the discomfort that most Americans to some degree feel about abortion.

The Economist

But the American-led campaign against terrorism, the postwar trauma of Iraq and Afghanistan, even the intensifying crisis between Israelis and Palestinians, have shifted the attention of the United States away from Europe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shift the attention", ensure the new focus is clearly defined to avoid confusion. For example, "shift the attention from the budget deficit to job creation" provides a clear direction.

Common error

Avoid using "shift the attention" without specifying where the attention should be redirected. A vague statement like "we need to shift the attention" lacks clarity and purpose. Always indicate the new subject or goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift the attention" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively. It describes the action of redirecting focus from one subject or area to another. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase typically appears in contexts where a deliberate change in focus is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Sports

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shift the attention" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating a redirection of focus. As Ludwig AI points out, it is prevalent in news, science, and sports contexts. The phrase serves to redirect discussions and arguments strategically. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the new area of focus is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "redirect focus" or "divert attention" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Overall, understanding the context and purpose will help to maximize effectiveness using "shift the attention" in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

re-focus attention

This highlights the act of changing the central point of interest.

redirect focus

This alternative directly implies a change in where attention is directed.

alter the focus

This alternative focuses on changing the central point.

divert attention

This suggests pulling attention away from something.

change the subject

This implies diverting attention to a different topic.

turn the spotlight

This uses a metaphor to indicate where attention is directed.

draw attention elsewhere

Emphasizes that the attention is moved to a different place or thing.

adjust the lens

This suggests altering the way something is viewed or emphasized.

modify the concentration

This pertains to changing the direction of the concentration of an individual.

pivot the interest

Implies a rotational change in where interest is directed.

FAQs

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

You can use "shift the attention" to suggest redirecting focus, such as "The politician tried to "shift the attention" from the scandal by discussing economic growth".

What is a good alternative to "shift the attention"?

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

Is it better to say "shift attention" or "shift the attention"?

"Shift the attention" is generally preferred as it is more specific and grammatically complete. "Shift attention" might be acceptable in very informal contexts, but using the definite article "the" provides clarity.

What's the difference between "shift the attention" and "draw attention"?

"Shift the attention" implies moving focus from one thing to another, while "draw attention" means to attract focus to something, possibly for the first time. For example, you "shift the attention" away from a problem, but "draw attention" to a solution.