was very attentive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was very attentive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is paying close attention or being considerate in a particular situation. Example: "During the meeting, she was very attentive to the speaker's points and took detailed notes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He was very attentive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ong was very attentive now.

The New York Times - Magazine

The audience was very attentive.

The New Yorker

Dinesh was very attentive to her.

The New Yorker

She was very attentive to the needs of this town.

The New York Times

And a mother who was "very attentive, very caring," but not warm.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"He's very attentive.

The New York Times - Sports

The girls are very attentive".

The New Yorker

The staff is very attentive and helpful.

The New York Times

Everyone is very attentive to each other".

The New York Times

The staff is very attentive and accommodating.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was very attentive" when you want to emphasize someone's focus and care in a specific situation. It indicates more than just passive awareness; it suggests active engagement and consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "very" excessively, as it can weaken the impact of the adjective. Consider stronger synonyms for "attentive" if "very" doesn't add significant emphasis. For instance, instead of "was very attentive", consider "was remarkably responsive" if the situation warrants a more impactful adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was very attentive" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (often a person) to indicate a high degree of attentiveness. Ludwig AI indicates this is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was very attentive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a high degree of focus and consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears most commonly in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts. While alternatives exist, using "was very attentive" is generally appropriate when you want to highlight someone's active engagement and care. Be mindful of overuse of "very" and consider stronger synonyms if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was extremely observant

Replaces "attentive" with "observant", emphasizing the act of noticing details.

was highly considerate

Shifts the focus to thoughtfulness and care in actions.

was quite perceptive

Highlights the ability to understand or notice things quickly and accurately.

paid close attention

Emphasizes the act of giving focus and care.

was really listening

Focuses specifically on the act of attentive listening.

was particularly diligent

Emphasizes conscientiousness and thoroughness in attention.

showed great interest

Highlights the display of curiosity and engagement.

was keenly aware

Focuses on being sharply conscious or knowledgeable.

exercised careful scrutiny

Emphasizes a detailed and critical examination.

was remarkably responsive

Highlights quick and positive reaction to something.

FAQs

How can I use "was very attentive" in a sentence?

You can use "was very attentive" to describe someone who paid close attention or showed consideration in a particular situation. For example, "The doctor "was very attentive" to my concerns during the examination".

What are some alternatives to "was very attentive"?

Alternatives include "was extremely observant", "was highly considerate", or "paid close attention" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was attentive" or "was very attentive"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "was very attentive" emphasizes the degree of attentiveness. Using just "was attentive" is often sufficient unless you want to highlight the exceptional level of attention given.

What does it mean when someone "was very attentive"?

It means they were paying close attention, showing care, and being responsive to the needs, concerns, or actions of someone or something. It implies a level of engagement and consideration beyond mere observation.