Meaning & use
engage the attention
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
To make someone notice and become interested in something.
Grammar: Often followed by 'of' and then the person or group: engage the attention of students.
Patterns
- engage the attention of someone
- engage someone's attention
The speaker used a surprising story to engage the attention of the audience.
A bright headline can engage the attention of readers quickly.
The teacher tried to engage the attention of the noisy class with a short video.
phrasefixed phrase
To hold someone's interest for a period of time.
Grammar: Used when the interest continues, not just at the start.
Patterns
- engage the attention of someone for a time
The new exhibit engaged the attention of visitors for hours.
Her speech engaged the attention of everyone in the room until the very end.
Common combinations
- engage the attention of an audience
- The speaker knew how to engage the attention of an audience.
- engage someone's attention
- The colorful poster engaged the children's attention.
- fully engage the attention
- The mystery novel fully engaged the attention of the reader.
- engage the attention for a long time
- The documentary engaged the attention of viewers for a long time.
Synonyms and how they differ
- attract
- Use 'attract' when you draw someone's notice to something, often quickly; 'engage the attention' suggests holding that notice for a while.
- captivate
- 'Captivate' is stronger and means to hold someone's attention completely, often by charm; 'engage the attention' is more neutral.
- grip
- 'Grip' is informal and means to hold someone's attention very strongly; 'engage the attention' is more formal and less intense.
Word family
- engaging adjective
- Interesting and pleasant; able to hold your attention.
- engagement noun
- The act of being involved or interested in something.
Commonly confused: engage the attention or engage in?
engage the attention vs engage in
'Engage in' means to take part in an activity, e.g., 'engage in conversation'. 'Engage the attention' means to attract and hold interest.
Practice
The speaker used a funny story to ______ the attention of the audience.
Choose one answer.
The sentence needs the base form after 'to', so 'engage' is correct. 'Engaging' would be a present participle and does not fit after 'to' here. 'Engaged' is past tense, and 'engages' is third-person singular, neither of which follows 'to'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “engage the attention”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.