Attention

get attention

Children often misbehave in order to get attention.

hold attention

The play was disappointing. It didn’t hold my attention for very long.

have attention

Can I have your attention, please? I have an important announcement to make.

need attention

Babies need a lot of care and attention.

pay attention

As a caring society, I think we need to pay more attention to the elderly.

pay any attention

Don’t pay any attention to what Lyn is saying. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.

trying to attract the waiter’s attention

There’s no point trying to attract the waiter’s attention. He’s not interested!

need to direct our attention to

There are a number of important issues that we need to direct our attention to.

caught the baby’s attention

Something bright caught the baby’s attention and she reached out and tried to touch it.

turning my attention

When I’ve finished studying the European market, I intend turning my attention to South East Asia.

undivided attention

 If you just wait till I’ve finished writing this letter, I’ll give you my full and undivided attention.

close attention

Pay close attention to everything I say. It’s important that you follow the instructions.

insufficient attention

80 people drowned when the ferry sank. The owners had paid insufficient attention to safety.

unwelcome attention

Let’s sit in that corner – away from everyone else. We don’t want to attract unwelcome attention.

meticulous attention

His painting are so realistic. He pays meticulous attention to detail.

immediate attention

Sorry, I’ve got to rush. I’ve just had a telephone call which requires my immediate attention.

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The fire inspector called our attention to the fact that some members of staff were not following the correct procedures.

If we don’t bring this to the attention of the police, nothing will be done.

The war diverted people’s attention away from the country’s economic problems.

We’re organizing a campaign to draw people’s attention to the harmful effects of food additives.

The election is in four months. This tax cut is obviously designed to distract public attention away from the government’s failures.

Last night’s documentary helped to focus world attention on the plight of the Somali refugees.

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Notes   

Someone is the ‘center of attention’ when everybody wants to see or talk to them. For example:

• He’s a rock star so he’s the center of attention everywhere he goes.

Note the preposition in the following phrase:

• My attention wasn’t on my work. My mind was elsewhere.

If something escapes your attention, you do not notice it:

• The fact that the company was operating without a licence had not escaped the attention of the authorities.