sustains attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustains attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that keeps a person's focus or interest over a period of time. Example: "The film's captivating storyline and stunning visuals truly sustain attention throughout its duration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It also sustains attention for its full three hours.

The New York Times - Arts

On the left, the cultural revolution group radicals were led by Mao's wife Jiang Qing, who once declared "Sex is engaging in the first rounds, but what really sustains attention in the long run is power".

The Guardian - Books

If our ultimate goal is to educate human beings, then we must focus not only on knowledge and information, discipline and surveillance as measured by tests, but also on non-academic pleasures, motivations, skills, and the full array of human engagement that sustains attention and meaning.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unfortunately, the discussion once more ignores sustained attention to long-term solutions to poverty and hunger.

Huffington Post

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sustains attention" when you want to emphasize the continuous nature of maintaining focus, especially over an extended period.

Common error

Avoid using "sustains attention" when describing something that only captures interest briefly. Opt for phrases like "captures attention" or "grabs interest" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustains attention" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the action of maintaining focus or interest. Examples show it used to describe elements that keep someone engaged over time.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sustains attention" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of maintaining focus over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase is relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts, most commonly in news media and scientific publications. When writing, remember to use "sustains attention" to emphasize the continuous aspect of maintaining focus, avoiding its use for short-lived instances. Alternatives like "maintains focus" or "holds interest" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retains focus

Very similar, emphasizing retention of focus rather than general attention.

maintains focus

Focus is maintained, but "attention" implies a broader scope of engagement.

prolongs focus

Focus is prolonged and "attention" may also include observation.

holds interest

"Interest" is more about curiosity, while "attention" covers general focus.

preserves interest

Interest is preserved, and "attention" may also include observation.

extends concentration

Concentration is extended and "attention" may also include observation.

captures attention

More about the initial grab, whereas "sustains" implies continuous holding.

keeps one engaged

Focus is on engagement, and "attention" may also include observation.

cultivates interest

Interest is fostered, while attention is the act of focusing.

drives engagement

Focuses on promoting involvement, while attention is a broader term.

FAQs

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

You can use "sustains attention" to describe something that maintains focus over time. For example, "The speaker's engaging presentation "sustains attention" throughout the entire lecture."

What are some alternatives to "sustains attention"?

Alternatives include "maintains focus", "holds interest", or "keeps one engaged", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sustains the attention"?

While grammatically sound, it's more common and natural to say "sustains attention" without the article "the". Both are understandable, but the shorter form is generally preferred.

What is the difference between "captures attention" and "sustains attention"?

Captures attention refers to the initial act of grabbing someone's focus, while "sustains attention" implies maintaining that focus over a longer period.