turn attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to direct someone's focus or awareness towards a specific subject or issue. Example: "We need to turn attention to the environmental impact of our actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Dyke was quick to turn attention to the hosts of those tournaments.

Independent

She hopes to turn attention to a very simple question: How do things like this happen?

The New York Times

Mr. Lynch also sought to turn attention to what he said was H.P.'s mismanagement.

The New York Times

Merkel wants to turn attention to more fiscal discipline and Europeanised control of eurozone budgets.

The Guardian - Business

Messier used his charisma to turn attention back to the Rangers.

The New York Times - Sports

The reorganization almost certainly will turn attention to the race to identify a successor for Mr. Dimon.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — President Obama keeps trying to turn attention to "jobs, jobs, jobs," as his chief of staff has put it.

The New York Times

But even he has offered fewer ideas on how to turn attention away from the transfixing pull of the harbour.

The Guardian

He also sought to turn attention to world leaders gathering in St Petersburg for a summit later this week.

The Guardian

But, when it comes to gambling addiction, it is time to turn attention to the responsibility of the pokies industry.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's election time, and Bush needs something to turn attention away from the mess he's made in Iraq.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the importance of dealing with an issue, use "turn attention" to highlight the need for focused action or consideration. For instance, "We must turn attention to addressing climate change."

Common error

Avoid using "turn attention" when a broader change in strategy is needed rather than just a shift in focus. For example, instead of saying "We need to turn attention to marketing", consider if a complete overhaul of the business plan is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn attention" functions as a verb phrase, commonly used to indicate a deliberate redirection of focus or emphasis towards a particular subject or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turn attention" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to redirect focus onto a particular subject. It is versatile, fitting seamlessly into various contexts, as validated by Ludwig. With a neutral register, it is appropriate for diverse settings, especially within news, media and scientific discussions. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability. Remember to use it when a deliberate shift in focus is required, and avoid it when a more fundamental strategic change is necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus attention

Emphasizes concentration and deliberate focus.

direct attention

Highlights the act of guiding or pointing focus towards something.

shift focus

Indicates a change in the main point of interest.

redirect attention

Suggests a deviation or re-routing of focus from one thing to another.

draw attention

Highlights the action of attracting focus or notice.

give consideration

Implies a thoughtful and deliberate assessment.

pay heed

Underscores the importance of listening to or being mindful of something.

take notice

Highlights the act of becoming aware of something.

consider

Suggests a careful thought or deliberation.

address

Implies dealing with or focusing on a particular issue or matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "turn attention" to direct focus to a specific issue or topic. For example, "It's time to "turn attention" to renewable energy sources".

What phrases are similar to "turn attention"?

Similar phrases include "focus attention", "direct attention", or "shift focus", all used to indicate a change in focus or emphasis.

Is there a difference between "turn attention to" and "pay attention to"?

"Turn attention to" suggests a deliberate redirection of focus, while "pay attention to" implies a sustained focus. For instance, you might ""turn attention" to" a problem that needs solving, but you "pay attention to" details to avoid errors.

When should I use "turn attention away from"?

Use "turn attention away from" when you want to divert focus from something, typically something negative or distracting. For instance, "The politician tried to "turn attention away from" the scandal by discussing economic policy".