Call Attention To – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever pointed out a mistake in a document or highlighted an important detail in a meeting? You were trying to call attention to it. This common idiom means to make people notice or focus on a particular person, thing, or issue. Learning call attention to will help you direct focus and highlight what is important.
What Does “Call Attention To” Mean?
“Call attention to” means to deliberately make something noticeable. You are asking or causing people to look at, think about, or consider something specific.
Think of it like this: A teacher might call attention to a key point on the board. A bright sign calls attention to the store. It is about directing the spotlight onto something.
Remember, it can be used for both positive and negative things.
When to Use It
You can use this idiom in many professional, academic, and social situations.
- In Presentations: “I want to call attention to the sales figures from the last quarter.”
- Pointing Out Problems: “The audit called attention to several financial errors.”
- Highlighting Achievements: “The article calls attention to her volunteer work in the community.”
The tone is usually neutral and purposeful. It is common in both formal and informal communication.
Example Sentences
- The speaker called attention to the need for more funding.
- She didn’t want to call attention to herself during the meeting.
- This report calls attention to the risks of the new policy.
- He wore a bright red tie to call attention to himself.
Mini Dialogue
Manager: “In your presentation, be sure to call attention to the success of our European division.”
Employee: “Of course. I’ll use a chart to really call attention to their growth.”
Manager: “Perfect. We need everyone to see those numbers.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The main mistake is using the wrong preposition. The correct phrase is “call attention TO,” not “call attention on” or “call attention at.”
❌ Don’t say: “He called attention on the problem.”
✅ Do say: “He called attention to the problem.”
Practice Tip
The next time you are in a meeting or a class, try to notice when someone highlights a key point. You can think to yourself, “They are calling attention to that fact.” This will help you understand the idiom’s use.
Final Note
This is a very useful phrase for clear and effective communication. It helps you guide your audience’s focus to what matters most. Use it to be a more persuasive and organized speaker and writer!
