undue attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"undue attention" is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone or something that is receiving too much attention or focus. For example: "The mayor has been receiving undue attention for his controversial stance on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rich and famous come and go without undue attention.

The New York Times

We don't want to bring any undue attention to ourselves.

The New York Times - Sports

"Life" has already attracted undue attention for a schoolyard-sounding anatomical swipe at Mr. Jagger.

The New York Times - Arts

In a first round full of trades, the Giants stayed put and attracted no undue attention.

The New York Times

This is warts-and-all history, but the warts don't get undue attention.

The New York Times - Books

The BBC was told to avoid giving "undue attention to marginal opinion".

Independent

His Kennedy accent is good, too, but the switch calls undue attention to the technique.

The New York Times

"They became disenchanted with the undue attention that the party gave to religion," Mr. Heper said.

The New York Times

"The sign could be a huge target and attract undue attention.

The New York Times - Arts

I think that VPNs are – or soon will be – normal enough not to attract undue attention.

The Guardian - Tech

He is determined, he says, to pull his weight and not seek undue attention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undue attention" when you want to suggest that something is receiving more focus or importance than it deserves. For example, avoid giving "undue attention" to minor details when focusing on the main issue.

Common error

While "undue attention" is widely accepted, consider using more specific terms like "disproportionate focus" or "excessive emphasis" in highly formal or academic writing to enhance precision and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undue attention" functions as a noun phrase, where "undue" modifies the noun "attention". It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause, indicating that attention is being given in an excessive or inappropriate manner. Ludwig AI confirms its validity as a grammatical construct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undue attention" is a commonly used phrase that describes excessive or unwarranted focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that while "undue attention" is generally suitable, more precise language might be necessary for formal settings. Consider alternatives like "disproportionate attention" or "excessive focus" based on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Avoid overusing it in strictly formal writing, and ensure your sentence accurately reflects the sentiment that the attention is both unnecessary and excessive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exaggerated attention

Emphasizes that the attention is an overstatement or disproportionate to the situation.

disproportionate attention

Highlights that the attention is out of proportion or not balanced correctly.

inordinate attention

Suggests the attention is beyond what is reasonable or normal.

excessive attention

Focuses on the quantity of attention, implying it is too much.

unwarranted attention

Implies the attention is not justified or deserved.

unjustified attention

Similar to "unwarranted attention", highlighting the lack of a valid reason for the focus.

inappropriate attention

Indicates the attention is unsuitable or not fitting for the situation.

undesirable attention

Emphasizes that the attention is unwelcome or causes negative consequences.

unnecessary attention

Focuses on the lack of need for the attention.

undue emphasis

Highlights that the focus is disproportionately strong on a particular aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "undue attention" to describe situations where something is receiving more focus than it warrants. For example, "The media gave "undue attention" to the celebrity's minor mishap."

What can I say instead of "undue attention"?

Alternatives to "undue attention" include "exaggerated attention", "disproportionate attention", or "excessive attention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "undue attention"?

It's appropriate to use "undue attention" when you believe something is being overemphasized or given more focus than it deserves, often leading to a negative or unbalanced outcome.

Is there a difference between "undue attention" and "unnecessary attention"?

"Undue attention" implies that the attention is not only unneeded but also excessive or inappropriate. "Unnecessary attention" simply means the attention isn't needed, without necessarily implying it's disproportionate.