sustained attention

USAGE SUMMARY

'sustained attention' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a state in which someone is focusing on a particular task for an extended period of time without wavering or losing concentration. For example, "Maria's sustained attention during the three-hour study session was commendable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By contrast, working memory updating was highly dependent upon the allocation of sustained attention, i.e., it was 'blocked' when sustained attention was released.

Plosone

Such issues deserve sustained attention.

The New York Times

Then they were tested for sustained attention.

The New York Times - Science

It requires sustained attention and constant vigilance.

The New York Times

"It's sustained attention with frequent intermittent rewards".

The New York Times - Health

But doing so requires political will and sustained attention.

The New Yorker

He welcomed sustained attention in almost any form.

The New York Times - Arts

Then they were given a test for sustained attention.

The New York Times - Science

However, Kugelman said India was still unlikely to receive sustained attention from US policymakers.

The Guardian

When Lucia fell ill, she at last captured her father's sustained attention.

The New Yorker

But what if "capturing" your experience takes time, effort, and sustained attention?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cognitive abilities, specify the type of task or situation in which "sustained attention" is relevant. For instance, "sustained attention during complex problem-solving" is more informative than simply "sustained attention."

Common error

Don't assume that "sustained attention" is universally applicable. Always consider individual differences and contextual factors. Saying "Everyone needs sustained attention" is less accurate than "Sustained attention is crucial for students in academic settings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained attention" functions as a noun phrase, where "sustained" acts as an adjective modifying "attention". It describes the ability to maintain focus on a particular task or stimulus over an extended period, as illustrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained attention" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the ability to maintain focus over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, especially in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context about the task or situation where sustained attention is relevant. Alternatives like "maintained attention" or "prolonged focus" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and consider individual and contextual differences. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate about this important cognitive skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained attention

Focuses more on the act of keeping attention over time.

prolonged focus

Emphasizes the duration of the focus rather than the attention itself.

continuous concentration

Highlights the unbroken nature of the concentration.

focused attentiveness

Underscores the presence of focused awareness.

undivided attention

Implies that attention is given completely to something, without distraction.

deep concentration

Suggests a high degree of focus and immersion.

persistent focus

Emphasizes the continuation of the focus despite potential challenges.

dedicated focus

Highlights the commitment to maintaining focus.

committed attention

Suggests a conscious decision to pay attention continuously.

attentive focus

Combines the ideas of attention and focus into a single concept.

FAQs

How is "sustained attention" measured in research?

Researchers often use tasks like the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) or the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) to assess an individual's ability to maintain focus over time. These tests measure accuracy and reaction time to specific stimuli.

What factors can improve "sustained attention"?

Several factors can positively influence sustained attention, including adequate sleep, regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and minimizing distractions. Some studies also suggest that certain types of cognitive training can enhance attentional abilities.

What are some synonyms for "sustained attention"?

Alternatives include "maintained attention", "prolonged focus", or "continuous concentration". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "sustained attention" and "selective attention"?

"Sustained attention" refers to the ability to maintain focus on a task over a prolonged period, while "selective attention" involves focusing on specific stimuli while filtering out distractions. They are related but distinct attentional processes.