stir attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stir attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that causes a lot of interest, attention or curiosity. For example, "The sudden appearance of a celebrity at the event stirred attention from the gathered crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. King's first recordings -- for Bullet Records in 1949, including the song "Miss Martha King," dedicated to his wife -- failed to stir attention.

The New York Times

The "global flavor" market has grown into a $5 billion business big enough to stir attention even as it remains a small fraction of the estimated $1 trillion U.S. food industry, according to market researcher Packaged Facts.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

An F.A.A. spokeswoman said the recent accidents had stirred "attention and concern" in the agency.

The New York Times

There's nothing that stirs attention online more than dead animals turning up in odd places, but it looks like this particular story was a false start.

Independent

The accessibility of finance by SMEs has stirred attention of academicians and policy makers worldwide for many decades.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

New Name wants to stir up attention.

The New York Times

While Clear Channel's growth has caused some controversy, Mr. Mays's personal exploits are unlikely to stir much attention.

The New York Times

Network sitcoms are not quite as useful; a cameo appearance can gin up ratings and stir up attention, but not necessarily restore favor.

The New York Times - Arts

The punch line is, "Pausing live TV -- weird, isn't it?" Both companies say their goal is to stir up attention.

The New York Times - Tech

The Xinhua report said the self-immolations were "incited by the Dalai's clique abroad and then implemented within the country, with photos and other personal information about the self-immolators then sent abroad to stir up attention".

The New York Times

After being told of the word, Mr. McKinnon said the commercial should be corrected because it "certainly might give reporters or anybody else who looked at it" a reason to stir up attention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Stir attention" works best when the subject is something that might not immediately be noticed but has the potential to generate interest over time.

Common error

Avoid using "stir attention" when a stronger verb like "grab", "command", or "demand" is more appropriate. "Stir" implies a gentler, more gradual process of attracting focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stir attention" functions as a verb phrase where "stir" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("attention"). It signifies the action of prompting or arousing interest or notice. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Unknown

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stir attention" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the action of gradually prompting interest or notice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for use in written English. While not as common as alternatives like "attract attention" or "draw attention", "stir attention" offers a nuanced way to depict a subtle and gradual increase in awareness. When using this phrase, remember to consider the context and ensure that the subject has the potential to generate interest over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attract attention

This alternative uses a more direct verb, focusing on the act of gaining attention.

draw attention

Similar to "attract attention", this phrase emphasizes the pulling or directing of focus.

arouse interest

This phrase replaces "attention" with "interest", highlighting a feeling of curiosity.

spark interest

Similar to "arouse interest", this phrase implies the beginning of interest.

generate buzz

This alternative suggests creating excitement or talk around a topic.

create a stir

This phrase reverses the structure, focusing on the commotion caused.

ignite curiosity

This alternative focuses on starting a feeling of wanting to know more about something.

prompt awareness

This suggests causing people to become conscious or informed about something.

provoke interest

This suggests causing a feeling of wanting to know more through incitement.

foment interest

This alternative, while less common, emphasizes actively encouraging or instigating interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "stir attention" to describe something that gradually attracts notice or interest. For example, "The artist's unconventional methods began to stir attention in the art world."

What are some alternatives to "stir attention"?

Some alternatives to "stir attention" include "attract attention", "draw attention", or "arouse interest" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "stir attention" or "attract attention"?

While both are correct, "stir attention" suggests a gradual or subtle increase in interest, whereas "attract attention" implies a more immediate or direct grabbing of focus.

What's the difference between "stir interest" and "stir attention"?

"Stir interest" emphasizes a feeling of curiosity or intrigue, while "stir attention" focuses on causing notice or awareness. The phrase "stir interest" is about evoking feelings, while the QUERY is about attracting focus.