We draw your attention to
Formal business communication expression
Littéralement: We pull your focus toward
Use this phrase to professionally highlight important details in formal documents or meetings.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to highlight important information.
- Commonly used in business emails and legal documents.
- Acts like a professional 'look at this' command.
Signification
This is a polite, professional way to say 'Please look at this specific thing.' It is like using a laser pointer to highlight an important detail in a document or situation.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Highlighting a contract clause
We draw your attention to clause 5 regarding the cancellation policy.
We draw your attention to clause 5 regarding the cancellation policy.
Notice in an apartment building
We draw your attention to the new recycling rules in the lobby.
We draw your attention to the new recycling rules in the lobby.
A museum tour guide speaking
I draw your attention to the brushwork in the top corner.
I draw your attention to the brushwork in the top corner.
Contexte culturel
This expression is a staple of 'Corporate English' in the UK and USA. It stems from 19th-century formal writing where directness was avoided to maintain social decorum. Today, it remains a key tool for maintaining a professional 'buffer' between the sender and the recipient.
The 'We' vs 'I' Secret
Use `We` if you are representing a company. Use `I` if you are speaking as an individual expert or guide.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase five times in one email, you will sound like a robot. Use it once for the most important point.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to highlight important information.
- Commonly used in business emails and legal documents.
- Acts like a professional 'look at this' command.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a gentle nudge. You are asking someone to focus on a specific detail. It is much softer than saying Look at this! Instead, it sounds professional and respectful. It suggests that the information is important for them to know. It is common in business when you want to highlight a change or a rule.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with a noun or a specific fact. For example, We draw your attention to the new policy. You can also use it with the fact that to introduce a whole sentence. It often appears at the start of a paragraph. It helps the reader know that the next part is the most important bit. It is like a verbal highlighter for your emails.
When To Use It
Use this in formal emails or official letters. It is perfect for pointing out a deadline in a contract. You might hear it in a museum when a guide shows you a painting. It works well in a meeting when you want to show a specific slide. Use it whenever you want to be taken seriously. It shows you are organized and professional.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your close friends. If you say I draw your attention to the pizza at a party, people will think you are joking. It is too stiff for casual texts. Avoid it when you are angry, as it can sound very cold and robotic. If you are just chatting over coffee, just say Check this out instead. Keep it for the office or official business.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a long tradition of formal English correspondence. In the past, letters were very flowery and indirect. Being direct was sometimes seen as rude or aggressive. By using draw your attention, you are giving the other person agency. You are not forcing them; you are inviting them to look. It reflects the Western business value of polite professional distance.
Common Variations
You might hear May I draw your attention to for extra politeness. Some people say We would like to draw your attention to which is even softer. In very formal settings, you might see Your attention is drawn to. This last one is passive and very common in legal documents. They all mean the same thing: 'Please look here!'
Notes d'usage
This is a high-register expression. It is best suited for written business correspondence or formal speeches. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless you are aiming for a humorous, mock-formal tone.
The 'We' vs 'I' Secret
Use `We` if you are representing a company. Use `I` if you are speaking as an individual expert or guide.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase five times in one email, you will sound like a robot. Use it once for the most important point.
Sarcastic Politeness
In the UK, if someone says this in a casual setting, they are probably being funny or slightly annoyed by your lack of attention!
Exemples
6We draw your attention to clause 5 regarding the cancellation policy.
We draw your attention to clause 5 regarding the cancellation policy.
Points the reader to a specific legal detail.
We draw your attention to the new recycling rules in the lobby.
We draw your attention to the new recycling rules in the lobby.
Used to inform residents of a change in rules.
I draw your attention to the brushwork in the top corner.
I draw your attention to the brushwork in the top corner.
Directs the audience's eyes to a specific artistic detail.
I draw your attention to the mountain of laundry on the sofa.
I draw your attention to the mountain of laundry on the sofa.
Uses formal language for a humorous, slightly passive-aggressive effect.
We draw your attention to the declining sales figures this quarter.
We draw your attention to the declining sales figures this quarter.
Introduces a serious topic for discussion.
I draw your attention to the way the moon hits the water.
I draw your attention to the way the moon hits the water.
A poetic, slightly old-fashioned way to share a moment.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence for a professional email.
We ___ your attention to the attached invoice.
The standard colocation for this expression is always `draw` your attention.
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
I would like to draw your attention ___ the upcoming deadline.
We always draw attention `to` something, indicating the direction of focus.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Level of 'Draw Your Attention To'
Talking to friends
Look at this!
General workplace
Please check this out.
Official business
We draw your attention to...
Legal/Diplomatic
Your attention is hereby drawn to...
Where to use 'We draw your attention to'
Business Email
Highlighting a new price list.
Legal Letter
Pointing out a specific contract rule.
Public Notice
Warning about construction on a street.
Art Gallery
Explaining a specific detail in a sculpture.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, bring your attention to is also correct and common. It is slightly less formal than draw, but both work well in business.
Only if you are being funny. In a normal text, it sounds way too stiff and strange.
No, here draw means to pull or attract. It is the same meaning as a 'drawer' that you pull out of a desk.
Usually, you should say hello first. Use it in the second or third sentence to introduce the main topic.
It is active. If you want to be even more formal, you can use the passive Your attention is drawn to.
Please note is shorter and a bit more direct. We draw your attention to is more elegant and formal.
Absolutely! It is a great way to transition to a new slide or a specific chart.
It is used in both, but it feels slightly more common in British formal writing.
Follow it with a noun like the report or a phrase like the fact that the meeting was moved.
Not at all. It is very polite. However, if used in an argument, it can feel a bit cold.
Expressions liées
Please note that
A simpler way to ask someone to pay attention to a fact.
I would like to highlight
A common way to emphasize a specific point in a discussion.
For your reference
Used when providing information that the person might need later.
Take note of
A slightly more direct command to remember or observe something.
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