to pay attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"to pay attention" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to focus or concentrate on something. You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as: - "It's important to pay attention in class in order to learn the material." - "Please pay attention to the road while driving." - "I couldn't pay attention to the movie because my phone kept buzzing with notifications." - "The teacher reminded the students to pay attention during the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have to pay attention".

The New York Times - Sports

You have to pay attention.

The New Yorker

You had to pay attention.

The New York Times - Arts

Washington began to pay attention.

The New York Times

You've got to pay attention".

The New York Times

Too pressed to pay attention.

The New York Times - Books

"Medicare officials need to pay attention".

The New York Times - Health

So I'm going to pay attention".

The New York Times - Arts

Congress has ample reason to pay attention.

The Economist

The critics had started to pay attention.

The New York Times

So shoppers need to pay attention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to pay attention", ensure the object of your attention is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "You need to pay attention", specify "You need to pay attention to the instructions."

Common error

Avoid using "to pay attention" without specifying what the attention should be directed towards. Instead of a general statement, provide a clear focus, like "Pay attention to the details" rather than just "Pay attention".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to pay attention" functions as an infinitive phrase, commonly used as a verb complement or to express purpose. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to pay attention" is a common and grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to emphasize the importance of focus and attentiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable across various contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, wiki, and science-related content. When writing, ensure the object of attention is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "to focus on" or "to concentrate on" for slight nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to focus on

Similar to concentrate, but with a slightly broader application.

to concentrate on

Focuses on the act of directing one's mental effort.

to be mindful

Highlights the conscious awareness aspect of paying attention.

to take note of

Implies making a conscious effort to remember or record something.

to be heedful

Emphasizes being cautious and mindful in paying attention.

to keep an eye on

Suggests watching something carefully for changes or problems.

to watch out for

Emphasizes being cautious and prepared for potential dangers or surprises.

to be alert

Highlights readiness and quickness in noticing things.

to listen carefully

Emphasizes auditory attention and careful hearing.

to give consideration

Indicates thoughtful attention and evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "to pay attention" in a sentence to indicate the act of focusing on something. For example, "It's important to pay attention in class" or "Please pay attention to the road while driving".

What can I say instead of "to pay attention"?

You can use alternatives like "to focus on", "to concentrate on", or "to take note of" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "to pay attention" or "paying attention"?

Both "to pay attention" and "paying attention" are correct, but they serve different grammatical functions. "To pay attention" is an infinitive phrase, while "paying attention" is a gerund phrase. For example, "It's important to pay attention" (infinitive) versus "Paying attention is crucial for success" (gerund).

What's the difference between "to pay attention" and "to give attention"?

"To pay attention" implies a deliberate effort to focus on something, while "to give attention" suggests allocating time or resources. For instance, you might "pay attention" to details, but "give attention" to a project.