What is attention? Pronunciation and usage in English

attention means . Learn how to pronounce and use attention through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of attention

attentionnoun

/əˈtɛnʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of attention

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "attention" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • uh-TAY-shun

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "uh" - This is a short, unstressed "uh" sound, like the "uh" in "but" or "up." It's often a little subtle.
  2. "TAY" - This sounds like "tay" as in "today." Make sure it's a clear "t" sound.
  3. "shun" - This is pronounced like "shun" as in "sun."

Putting it all together: uh-TAY-shun

Here are a few tips:

  • Emphasis: The stress is on the second syllable, "TAY."
  • Don't over-emphasize the 't': It's a very soft "t" sound in this word.
  • Avoid a "ch" sound: Many people accidentally pronounce it like "a-TEN-shun," which is incorrect. The 't' is key.

Resources to Hear it:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Your native language can sometimes influence pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word attention in English

Let's break down how to use the word "attention" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a detailed breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (the thing itself):

  • Focus/Concentration: This is the most common usage. It refers to the state of paying close mental focus on something.
    • Example: "Please pay attention to the instructions."
    • Example: "He needs to improve his attention span."
    • Example: "The lecture demanded full attention from the students."
  • Notice/Awareness: It can also mean being aware of something happening.
    • Example: "I didn't notice the spilled coffee – I wasn't paying attention."
    • Example: "The police are searching for a suspect who slipped through the cracks unnoticed."
  • A gathering of people: Sometimes it refers to a group of people assembled for a specific purpose.
    • Example: "The school assembly requires students' attention."
    • Example: “The attention at the concert was incredible.”
  • A matter of importance: It can be used to highlight something that needs to be considered.
    • Example: “Give attention to the details in this report.”

2. As a Verb (the act of focusing):

  • To direct focus: This is the core meaning of using "attention" as a verb.
    • Example: "The teacher is going to attent to the student's problem." (Less common, but grammatically correct)
    • Example: “The presenter will attend to the questions from the audience.” (More common)
  • To bring to focus: This implies drawing someone's awareness to something.
    • Example: “The advertisement was designed to attract attention.”
    • Example: "The detective attuned his attention to the smallest details."
  • To give consideration/care:
    • Example: “She attended to the injured bird.” (Meaning she took care of it.)

3. Phrases and Idioms with “Attention”:

  • Draw attention to: To make something noticeable. (e.g., "The bright red car drew attention to itself.")
  • Catch someone’s attention: To make someone notice you. (e.g., “She waved her hand to catch his attention.”)
  • Give attention to: To focus on something. (e.g., “Give attention to your homework.”)
  • Out of attention: Not paying attention. (e.g., "He was out of attention during the meeting.")
  • Under someone's attention: Being looked after or cared for. (e.g., "The child was under his mother's attention.")

4. Related Words and Concepts:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A condition characterized by difficulty focusing.
  • Attention span: The length of time someone can maintain focus.
  • Attention-grabbing: Something that is interesting and makes people want to look at it.

Tips for Using “Attention” Correctly:

  • Context is key: The best way to understand how to use "attention" is to look at the context in which it's used.
  • "Pay attention" is very common: This is a frequently used phrase.
  • “Attend to” is often a more formal alternative to “pay attention” (especially when referring to duties or responsibilities).

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "attention" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, having a conversation, etc.)
  • Could you provide an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word attention

Practice with vocabulary attention

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The professor emphasized the importance of paying close ________ to the details in the research paper.
  2. She decided to focus her ________ on improving her public speaking skills.
  3. The manager’s ________ to the issue helped resolve the conflict quickly.
  4. He showed great ________ by listening carefully during the meeting.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best fits the sentence? "The teacher asked the students to give their ________ to the instructions."
    a) attention
    b) focus
    c) concentration
    d) time
  2. What does the phrase "draw attention" mean?
    a) To distract someone
    b) To make something noticeable
    c) To ignore someone
    d) To criticize something
  3. Which of the following is a synonym for "attention"?
    a) Awareness
    b) Neglect
    c) Distraction
    d) Carelessness
  4. Which word does not fit the sentence? "The speaker’s ________ to detail impressed the audience."
    a) attention
    b) focus
    c) indifference
    d) diligence
  5. What word completes this sentence? "The child’s constant interruptions made it hard to maintain ________ during the meeting."
    a) patience
    b) attention
    c) focus
    d) silence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The team concentrated on finishing the project before the deadline.
    Rewrite: The team gave their ________ to completing the project before the deadline.
  2. Original: The new policy was designed to increase awareness among employees.
    Rewrite: The new policy was designed to draw ________ to important issues among employees.
  3. Original: She listened carefully to the instructions.
    Rewrite: She showed great ________ by listening to the instructions.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. attention
  2. attention
  3. focus
  4. concentration

Exercise 2:

  1. a) attention
  2. b) To make something noticeable
  3. a) Awareness
  4. c) indifference
  5. b) attention

Exercise 3:

  1. The team gave their attention to completing the project before the deadline.
  2. The new policy was designed to draw attention to important issues among employees.
  3. She showed great concentration by listening to the instructions.

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