to secure attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to secure attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing methods or strategies to attract or maintain someone's focus or interest. Example: "The speaker used a captivating story to secure attention from the audience right from the start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But none of these "impossible or ridiculous premises" are true and it is time, the writer declared, "to secure attention to the real business before us".

The New York Times

Doctors had already identified a Munchausen syndrome, which referred to patients who feign illness or harm themselves in order to secure attention and sympathy — unlike malingerers, whose fakery is motivated by material gain (receiving a disability check, staying home from work).

The New Yorker

Alternatively, being labeled "disabled" is a way for parents to secure attention to the child's particular ways of learning and functioning.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The kidnappers were no doubt eager to secure media attention to embarrass the Musharraf government.

The New York Times

No effort has been spared to secure your attention, whoever and wherever you are.

The New York Times

A nightmarish sequence that wouldn't look out of place in a David Lynch film is used to secure our attention and remind us of the horror of flu.

The Guardian

As far as superheroes go, two's company but three or more is a drag, with no single character likely to secure our attention: just ask the X-Men, or the Fantastic Four, or the half-dozen Watchmen we get here.

The New Yorker

By now we had managed to tear ourselves away from his riveting accounts long enough to order dinner, courtesy of a diligent waiter who had made his third round to our table in valiant attempts to secure our attention.

Huffington Post

"It is essential to have an institutionalized, formalised child rights body within in Parliament in order to secure systematic attention to their rights.

Unicef

For more information, please contact: Jadranka Milanovic UNICEF Communication Officer e-mail - [email protected] tel: [phone] "It is essential to have an institutionalized, formalised child rights body within in Parliament in order to secure systematic attention to their rights.

Unicef

That the adviser exists as the only likable male character is part of the show's fabulism: he's a 25-year-old driving himself batty trying to secure the attentions of a powerful woman well past 40.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience and the specific situation to decide if "to secure attention" is the most appropriate and impactful choice. Alternatives may offer a stronger or more nuanced effect.

Common error

Avoid using "to secure attention" in passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Ensure it's clear who or what is doing the securing. For instance, instead of "Attention was secured by the ad", write "The ad secured attention".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to secure attention" functions as an infinitive phrase often used to express the purpose of an action. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to indicate the reason why something is being done, which is to gain or ensure attention.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to secure attention" is a grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to describe the intent of capturing or ensuring focus. While its usage is relatively rare, according to Ludwig AI, it finds application across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. Its strategic connotation emphasizes a deliberate effort to gain audience engagement, making it a valuable tool in persuasive communication. Choosing the right alternative phrases, such as "to capture attention" or "to attract attention", can further refine the message to precisely suit the intended purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to capture attention

Replaces "secure" with "capture", emphasizing the act of seizing focus.

to attract attention

Uses "attract" instead of "secure", focusing on drawing focus towards something.

to gain attention

Emphasizes the process of acquiring attention.

to draw attention

Similar to "attract attention", but with a slightly different nuance.

to command attention

Suggests a more forceful or authoritative way of gaining attention.

to solicit attention

Implies requesting or seeking attention.

to win attention

Focuses on earning attention through merit or effort.

to rivet attention

Suggests holding attention firmly and intensely.

to arrest attention

Implies suddenly capturing attention.

to seize attention

Indicates a quick and forceful grab of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "to secure attention" to describe actions taken to gain someone's focus. For instance, "The company launched a bold marketing campaign to secure attention in a crowded market."

What are some alternatives to "to secure attention"?

You can use alternatives like "to capture attention", "to attract attention", or "to gain attention" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "to secure attention" and "to attract attention"?

"To secure attention" implies a deliberate and sometimes competitive effort to gain focus, while "to attract attention" suggests drawing focus more naturally or effortlessly.

When is it best to use "to secure attention" instead of other similar phrases?

Use "to secure attention" when you want to emphasize the strategic or intentional nature of gaining focus, particularly when there's competition or a specific goal in mind.