total attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"total attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when describing something that requires complete focus and concentration. For example, "The schoolmaster demanded total attention from the students during his lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Her flirty, feisty warmth commands total attention.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Someone brings you tea, pays you total attention.

The New York Times - Magazine

These athletes give me their total attention, time and effort every day.

The Guardian - Sport

If you want to say something, you have his total attention.

The Guardian - Film

This role demands total attention and I intend to give it as long as I can".

The Guardian - Business

On the rare occasions when his father was around, he demanded total attention.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

They're built to be noticed: the brick facade is painted a vivid yellow, and the DynaScan monitor on the touch screen, which is bright enough to compete with sunlight, is a total attention-grabber at night.

TechCrunch

If the urge arises to reach for the cell phone, take a deep breath and bring your full attention back into your body... Imagine yourself as being "one" with the automobile knowing it requires your total integrated attention to function properly and safely.

Huffington Post

You will soon realise that what your kids most want is your total, undivided attention.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As data centers grow to unprecedented scales — Google recently reported that one of its data centers holds more than 45,000 servers (only a handful of companies have that many total servers) — attention has shifted to making servers less energy intensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Enrique is eventually redeemed by his self-knowledge and self-mockery, by his total, adoring attention to the dying Margaret, his tenderness as he mixes the useless nutrition she takes through her tube, cleans the port through which it enters her body, changes her when she soils herself.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "total attention" when you want to emphasize the completeness of focus on a task, person, or object. For instance, "The project demanded my total attention."

Common error

Avoid using "total attention" when a lesser degree of focus is implied. Phrases like "some attention" or "passing attention" are more appropriate when complete focus is not required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total attention" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "total" modifies "attention". It describes the extent or degree of attentiveness given to something. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "total attention" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies complete and undivided focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable across various registers, though leaning towards neutral and professional contexts. It's crucial to use "total attention" when conveying the necessity for absolute focus, avoiding its application in scenarios where only partial focus is implied. Alternatives like "complete focus" or "undivided attention" can be used to provide slightly different nuances. With a strong presence in news, science, and general writing, the phrase remains a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete focus

Emphasizes the focus aspect more strongly than attention.

intense focus

Similar to complete focus, but with added emphasis.

full concentration

Highlights the intensity of mental effort required.

absolute concentration

Emphasizes the completeness of mental focus.

undivided attention

Stresses the absence of distractions.

complete attentiveness

Focuses on the quality of being attentive.

dedicated focus

Highlights the intentional and committed nature of the attention.

rapt attention

Implies a captivated or engrossed state of attention.

close scrutiny

Suggests a detailed and careful examination.

deep engagement

Highlights the active involvement of the mind.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "total attention" in a sentence?

Use "total attention" when you want to convey complete and undivided focus on something. For instance, "The intricate details of the painting required my total attention."

What are some alternatives to using "total attention"?

You can use alternatives like "complete focus", "undivided attention", or "full concentration" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "complete and total attention"?

Yes, saying "complete and total attention" can be redundant, as both words convey a similar meaning of fullness and completeness. Choose either "complete attention" or "total attention" for conciseness.

When is it appropriate to demand "total attention" from someone?

Demanding "total attention" is appropriate in situations where focus is crucial for success or safety, such as during a critical instruction or a performance. However, consider the context and relationship before making such a demand.