be attentive

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   to watch or listen carefully and with interest

   Grammar: Often followed by 'to' and an object: be attentive to the teacher.

   Patterns

   • be attentive to someone
   • be attentive to something
   • be attentive in class

   Please be attentive during the safety demonstration.

   The students were attentive to every word the professor said.

   She is always attentive when her grandmother tells stories.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   to be helpful and considerate toward someone

   Grammar: Often followed by 'to' and a person: be attentive to your guests.

   Patterns

   • be attentive to someone
   • be attentive to someone's needs

   The staff were attentive to our needs throughout the meal.

   He is very attentive to his elderly parents.

Common combinations

be attentive to detail

Good editors are attentive to detail.

be attentive in class

You must be attentive in class if you want to pass.

be attentive to someone's needs

The nurse was attentive to the patient's needs.

be attentive to what someone says

Try to be attentive to what your customers say.

Synonyms and how they differ

pay attention

This is the everyday phrase; 'be attentive' sounds a little more formal or literary.

be alert

This means to be ready to notice danger or changes, while 'be attentive' is more about focusing on something.

be observant

This means to notice things, often without being told; 'be attentive' suggests actively listening or watching.

Opposites

Word family

attention noun

the act of watching or listening carefully

attentively adverb

in a careful and interested way

attentiveness noun

the quality of being attentive

Commonly confused: be attentive or attentive?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “be attentive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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