sustaining attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustaining attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing focus, concentration, or maintaining interest over time. Example: "Teachers often employ various strategies for sustaining attention during long lectures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This appears to be partly because of difficulty either sustaining attention or modulating attentional fluctuations that occur over time or in protecting such time from interference by extraneous stimuli [ 3, 18- 20].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Sustaining attention on a task means you can maintain focus; poor focus corresponds to impulsivity.

The Guardian

In the first place, there is a distinction between sustaining attention in a detection task, where the overall workload is high, and sustaining it when little is happening except for the occasional looked-for events.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Children and adults are diagnosed with ADHD if they persistently show a combination of traits including, among others, forgetfulness, distractibility, fidgeting, restlessness, impatience, difficulty sustaining attention in work, play, or conversation, or difficulty following instructions and completing tasks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During a 50-minute (or longer) class period, students may have difficulty sustaining attention and noticing information that is relevant to a prequestion that was asked at the beginning of class.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Sustaining attention to the flapping banners or soothing jingle of golden bells in the breeze may not ward off all complaints, but I'm betting it will heighten students' perception of the environment and their place within it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The sustained attention task revealed two types of attentional dysfunction in the High-Pb group.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Our ability to focus and sustain attention is a hallmark of a highly functioning attentional system.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cognitive skills, use "sustaining attention" to highlight the duration and effort involved in maintaining focus over time. For example: "The workshop aims to improve participants' skills in "sustaining attention" during long meetings".

Common error

Avoid using "sustaining attention" interchangeably with "paying attention". "Paying attention" refers to the initial act of focusing, while "sustaining attention" implies maintaining that focus over a period. For example, instead of saying "He struggled with sustaining attention momentarily", consider "He struggled with paying attention initially."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustaining attention" functions as a noun phrase that describes the ability or act of maintaining focus over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English, showing various examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustaining attention" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the ability to maintain focus over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to remember it refers to the duration of focus, rather than the initial act of focusing itself. For alternative phrasing, consider using "maintaining focus" or "keeping attention". By understanding its proper use and context, you can effectively communicate the concept of sustained focus in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining focus

This alternative emphasizes the act of keeping one's concentration on a specific task or subject.

prolonging focus

This alternative suggests extending the duration of one's focus.

keeping attention

This phrase highlights the act of retaining someone's interest or focus.

holding focus

Similar to 'keeping attention', it implies retaining concentration.

maintaining attentiveness

Focuses on maintaining a state of being alert and observant.

preserving concentration

Emphasizes the act of protecting one's ability to concentrate from distractions.

cultivating focus

Suggests the deliberate development and nurturing of focus.

fostering attention

Emphasizes creating an environment that encourages and supports sustained attention.

lengthening focus

This alternative focuses on increasing the amount of time someone is able to focus.

extending attention span

Highlights the expansion of the period during which one can concentrate effectively.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to sustain attention?

Strategies for improving your ability to sustain attention include minimizing distractions, practicing mindfulness, breaking tasks into smaller segments, and ensuring adequate rest. Techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique can also be helpful.

What does it mean to have difficulty sustaining attention?

Having difficulty sustaining attention means struggling to maintain focus on a task or activity for an extended period. This can manifest as frequent distractions, restlessness, and difficulty completing tasks.

What are some conditions associated with difficulty in sustaining attention?

Conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, and depression can be associated with difficulties in sustaining attention. Neurological conditions and sleep disorders can also contribute.

What's the difference between "selective attention" and "sustaining attention"?

"Selective attention" refers to the ability to focus on specific stimuli while ignoring distractions, whereas "sustaining attention" is the ability to maintain focus over time. "Selective attention" is about filtering information; sustaining attention is about duration.