pay attention vs give attention

The phrase 'pay attention' is the correct and commonly used expression in English. On the other hand, 'give attention' is not a typical phrase used in this context. 'Pay attention' is the appropriate way to convey the idea of focusing or being attentive.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2071 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"pay attention"

This phrase is used to instruct someone to focus or be attentive to something.

Examples:

Pay attention in class, please.
You need to pay attention to the road while driving.
It's important to pay attention to details.
She always pays attention to what others are saying.
Pay attention to the instructions carefully.

Show examples from the web [+]

Please pay attention to these instructions.
During the descent pay attention to exposed stretches and concrete drains.
Also, pay attention to use correct delimiters.
I have to pay attention to manufacturing and distribution.
Please, Richard, pay attention.
When answering verbal analogies pay attention to the verb tense.
Please pay attention to this mater to prevent further problems.
Folks were finally starting to pay attention.
Pastor Ulmer says we should pay attention to signs from the Lord.
Pulls out her phone, pay attention.
You got one job: pay attention and pass your classes.
Now pay attention, and watch my hands.
But that was a time when you had to pay attention.
As long as you're just hanging there, pay attention.
Now pay attention, this is important.
Next time you see one, pay attention.
Now look, Joe, pay attention.
It's easy but pay attention.
The first lesson is... pay attention.
The next five, you'll have to pay attention.

Alternatives:

Be attentive
Stay focused
Concentrate
Listen carefully
Be alert

This phrase is not commonly used in English in this context.

"give attention"

Show examples from the web [+]

We must also give attention to better-targeted economic measures that respect humanitarian international law.
In the old Member States too it is necessary to give attention to the implementation of EU legislation.
The fact is, then, that PROGRESS will also give attention to the particular problems of the Roma.
The year 2007 will be the European Year of Equal Opportunities, as part of which we must also give attention to disability in education and culture programmes.
There is still a need to give attention to the exchange of information between intelligence services within the European Union, but also with our partners in the United States, Russia and in all other nations that want to discharge their responsibilities in the fight against terrorism.
It is important to give attention to the mid-term review of the budgetary framework for the years to come in 2009, even though the outcome of the new negotiations will not yet have an impact on next year's budget.
Mr Füle, apart from your work on the important countries we are talking about here today, I would like to ask you also to give attention to other countries which are dreaming of European Union membership.
It is very important for us to give attention to the extent to which such data will be accessible in future, and how we are going to protect that part of the data that should not be published.
How can approval not be given to any demand made of the Commission to give attention also to the rights of the most vulnerable people and to provide for a specific budgetary line when necessary?
Given that industrial restructuring decisions can have serious social repercussions, calls upon the European Council to give attention to the propagation across the EU of best practices by management for the alleviation of the adverse effects of change;
The work programme you have presented is enormous, but you also have a reputation for working wonders, and it is to the wonder-worker in you that I would like to appeal, asking you also to give attention to the Members' statute.
Both budget reports give attention to language, translation and interpreting.
I hope that the forthcoming summit will give attention to this matter.
We should always give attention to this.
That is something that we perhaps ought to organise differently in future, as we should give attention to the regions in a more even-handed way.
But I should also like to ask you to give attention to one particular area of income tax and that is the equal treatment of men and women.
Hold tongue... and give attention!
It means that the body stops give attention to things that do not matter.
Eradicating poverty and reducing the gap between rich and poor are important objectives, and all governments should give attention and allocate resources to them.
It is for this reason that I regard Mr Katiforis' report as very important, in that it is the first in Europe to give attention to this topic.

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pay attention vs give attention

"pay attention"

"give attention"

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