to draw attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to draw attention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize something or focus a reader's attention. For example, "The protests were meant to draw attention to ongoing injustices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I want to draw attention to that".

The New York Times - Sports

Best not to draw attention.

The Washington Post

But his management continues to draw attention.

The New York Times

I didn't want to draw attention to myself.

The New Yorker

He said he wanted to draw attention away from percentages.

The New York Times

Now was not the time to draw attention to himself.

The Guardian - Travel

Her aim was to draw attention to its nuclear work.

The New York Times - Science

Curate little exhibitions on it to draw attention lower down".

Independent

BORROWED INTEREST Ads often use celebrities to draw attention.

The New York Times

"This president is always trying to draw attention to himself".

The New York Times

You want to draw attention to the other ones".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to draw attention", ensure the subject you want to emphasize is clearly defined and relevant to your message. For example, instead of saying "The report draws attention", specify what aspect of the report is noteworthy: "The report draws attention to the critical funding gap."

Common error

Avoid using "to draw attention" with unclear or overly general subjects. Instead of writing "This draws attention", be specific about what is being highlighted and why it is significant. For instance, "This initiative draws attention to the urgent need for mental health support in schools."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to draw attention" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and serves to highlight or emphasize a specific subject. Its usage is widespread across various writing styles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to draw attention" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to emphasize or highlight a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread usage across various contexts, from formal academic papers to informal news articles. The linguistic analysis reveals a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse audiences. While alternatives like "to attract notice" or "to highlight" exist, "to draw attention" remains a common and effective choice for writers aiming to bring focus to specific elements within their communication. Remember to clearly define the subject you are seeking to emphasize to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to attract notice

Replaces "attention" with "notice" and "draw" with "attract", altering the specific vocabulary while preserving the meaning.

to call attention to

Uses "call attention to" instead of "draw attention", providing a slightly more direct phrasing.

to highlight

A more concise verb that means to emphasize or make something stand out.

to emphasize

Focuses on stressing the importance of something, sharing the effect of bringing it to people's attention.

to spotlight

Implies directing focus onto something, similar to drawing attention to it.

to bring to the forefront

Indicates moving something into a prominent position for observation.

to focus on

Highlights the act of concentrating on something specific.

to make prominent

This alternative focuses on increasing visibility or importance.

to give prominence to

Similar to making prominent, this alternative focuses on granting importance or visibility.

to underscore

Suggests emphasizing or highlighting the importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "to draw attention" in a sentence?

Use "to draw attention" to emphasize or highlight a specific aspect within a broader context. For example, "The documentary aims "to draw attention" to the plight of endangered species".

What are some alternatives to "to draw attention"?

Alternatives include "to attract notice", "to call attention to", "to highlight", or "to emphasize", each with slight differences in nuance and formality.

Is it better to use "to draw attention" or "to attract attention"?

Both "to draw attention" and "to attract attention" are correct and often interchangeable. "To draw attention" might imply a more deliberate effort, while "to attract attention" suggests a more inherent quality. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

What is the difference between "to draw attention" and "to seek attention"?

"To draw attention" typically refers to highlighting something else, while "to seek attention" often implies a personal desire to be noticed. For example, a protest might "draw attention" to an issue, while an individual might "seek attention" through their actions.