pay attention at the time vs pay attention to the time

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Pay attention at the time" is used when referring to being mindful of a specific moment or event, while "pay attention to the time" is used when referring to being aware of the actual time or schedule.

Explained by Camille
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 18, 2025 • 6224 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a specific moment or event.

"pay attention at the time"

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize focusing on a particular time or event. It implies being attentive and aware of what is happening at that specific moment.

Examples:

Please pay attention at the time of the announcement.
It's important to pay attention at the time of the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

Unfortunately we did not pay much attention at the time, and it was only in the summer, July to be precise, that the Commission really registered the gravity of the matter in hand and began to react.
Pay attention to the time and place.
To do so he needs to have discipline and pay attention all the time.
Well, pay attention next time.
If you cared to pay attention some of the time, you would know that we covered this in fifth-grade history class.
Just pay attention, next time you can do it yourself.
It works, but pay more attention next time.
Maybe you should pay closer attention next time.
But I'll pay better attention next time.
I don't pay much attention to time any more.
I hope you'll pay more attention next time.
Pay careful attention the next time you read the financial news.
I pay attention at back-to-school nights.
And Carlos thought Susan didn't pay attention at all.
It is precisely at the time when perhaps budget funding is rare and scarce that it is necessary to pay attention to equality between men and women.
I mean, I can't even pay attention at open houses.
I pay attention at back-to-school nights. I just...
We must therefore pay attention at the European level to the possible exposure of women and children to domestic violence.
Do you pay attention at school, Kazran? '
He started to pay attention to his daughters for the first time.

Alternatives:

Pay attention during the time
Pay attention when the time comes
Pay attention at that time
Pay attention at that moment

This phrase is correct when referring to being aware of the current time or schedule.

"pay attention to the time"

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize being conscious of the time, such as for punctuality or time management. It implies focusing on the clock or schedule.

Examples:

Make sure to pay attention to the time so we're not late.
You need to pay attention to the time if you want to catch the train.

Show examples from the web [+]

Pay attention to the time and place.
Pay attention to the road this time, loser.
May I depart from normal practice by asking you to pay greater attention to the allocated time slots.
Immigration, of whatever kind, and the ageing of the population pay no attention to the passing of time; they just carry on unabated.
To do so he needs to have discipline and pay attention all the time.
Well, pay attention next time.
If you cared to pay attention some of the time, you would know that we covered this in fifth-grade history class.
Just pay attention, next time you can do it yourself.
I don't pay much attention to time any more.
It works, but pay more attention next time.
Maybe you should pay closer attention next time.
But I'll pay better attention next time.
I hope you'll pay more attention next time.
Unfortunately we did not pay much attention at the time, and it was only in the summer, July to be precise, that the Commission really registered the gravity of the matter in hand and began to react.
Pay careful attention the next time you read the financial news.
It is precisely at the time when perhaps budget funding is rare and scarce that it is necessary to pay attention to equality between men and women.
He started to pay attention to his daughters for the first time.
It is time for the European Union to pay attention to the security of raw materials, in the same way as it pays attention to energy security.
So do this over, pay attention to the details, and take your time.
When my mother sees the dress orders, she will be so busy singing my praises that she won't have time to pay attention to...

Alternatives:

Be mindful of the time
Keep track of the time
Watch the time
Be attentive to the time

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pay attention at the time vs pay attention to the time

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