close attention
انتباه دقيق
Use it when you need to emphasize that every small detail matters for success.
15秒了解
- Focusing intensely on specific details of a task or conversation.
- Commonly used with the verb 'pay' in professional and personal life.
- Implies that missing a small detail could lead to a mistake.
意思
This phrase means you are watching or listening to something very carefully. It's like zooming in with your brain to make sure you don't miss a single tiny detail.
关键例句
3 / 6Giving instructions for a recipe
You need to pay close attention to the oven temperature.
You need to pay close attention to the oven temperature.
A boss starting a presentation
Please pay close attention to the third slide.
Please pay close attention to the third slide.
Texting a friend about a movie
Pay close attention to the guy in the background of the first scene!
Pay close attention to the guy in the background of the first scene!
文化背景
The phrase reflects the Western value of 'active listening' and precision. In academic and professional settings, being told to 'pay close attention' is a gentle way of saying the next part is critical for your success. It became a staple of classroom and boardroom English in the mid-20th century.
The 'Pay' Rule
Always remember that attention is like currency in English. You 'pay' it. Don't say 'I did close attention'.
Don't confuse with 'Closely'
While you can 'watch closely', we usually say 'pay close attention' (adjective + noun) rather than 'pay closely attention'.
15秒了解
- Focusing intensely on specific details of a task or conversation.
- Commonly used with the verb 'pay' in professional and personal life.
- Implies that missing a small detail could lead to a mistake.
What It Means
Close attention is all about focus. Imagine you are looking for a lost contact lens on a rug. You aren't just glancing; you are examining every fiber. That is close attention. It means your mind is fully locked onto one thing. You are ignoring distractions to catch small details or subtle changes.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with the verb pay. You pay close attention to things. You can also say something requires close attention. Use it when the details really matter. It works for visual things, like a map. It also works for listening, like a complicated story. It makes you sound focused and serious about the task at hand.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when the boss shares the new budget. Use it when a friend is giving you tricky directions to a party. It is perfect for DIY projects, like building IKEA furniture. If you don't pay close attention to the manual, you'll have extra screws left over. It's also great for watching a movie with a twist ending.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for mindless tasks. You don't pay close attention to brushing your teeth. You don't use it for things you do on autopilot. Avoid it in very high-stress emergencies where watch out is better. If a car is coming, don't tell your friend to pay close attention. Just yell look out instead. Also, don't use it if you are just casually browsing.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, paying attention is often compared to money. We "pay" it because focus is a valuable resource. Close attention implies a high level of respect for the subject. In Western workplaces, showing close attention is a key sign of professionalism. It shows you value the speaker's time and expertise. It's the opposite of "zoning out."
Common Variations
You might hear people say careful attention or strict attention. In legal or medical settings, they might say meticulous attention. If someone is being obsessive, you could say they are paying too much attention. On the flip side, if someone is messy, they lack attention to detail. All these phrases revolve around how much brainpower you are spending on one spot.
使用说明
This is a very safe, versatile collocation. It fits perfectly in a PhD thesis or a casual chat about a video game. Just remember: 'pay' is the verb, 'close' is the adjective.
The 'Pay' Rule
Always remember that attention is like currency in English. You 'pay' it. Don't say 'I did close attention'.
Don't confuse with 'Closely'
While you can 'watch closely', we usually say 'pay close attention' (adjective + noun) rather than 'pay closely attention'.
The Silent 'I'm Listening'
In the US and UK, nodding while 'paying close attention' is a huge social cue. If you don't nod, people might think you've zoned out!
例句
6You need to pay close attention to the oven temperature.
You need to pay close attention to the oven temperature.
Focuses on a specific variable that could ruin the meal.
Please pay close attention to the third slide.
Please pay close attention to the third slide.
Directs the audience to a specific, important piece of data.
Pay close attention to the guy in the background of the first scene!
Pay close attention to the guy in the background of the first scene!
Used to point out a hidden 'Easter egg' or clue.
If you paid close attention to the question, you'd see it's a trick!
If you paid close attention to the question, you'd see it's a trick!
A slightly corrective but helpful tone.
I need you to pay close attention to how your body feels today.
I need you to pay close attention to how your body feels today.
Emphasizes the importance of monitoring health details.
I'm paying close attention to everything you're saying, I promise.
I'm paying close attention to everything you're saying, I promise.
Shows emotional presence and active listening.
自我测试
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
You should ___ close attention to the safety briefing.
In English, we almost always 'pay' attention, rather than 'giving' or 'making' it.
Select the best adjective to describe intense focus.
The detective gave the crime scene ___ attention.
'Close' is the standard adjective used in this collocation to mean detailed or thorough.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Close Attention'
Talking to friends about a game.
Pay close attention to his footwork!
Standard daily use.
Pay close attention to the signs.
Legal or academic writing.
The committee paid close attention to the report.
When to use 'Close Attention'
Learning a Skill
Watching a guitar tutorial.
Safety
Reading a warning label.
Socializing
Listening to a friend's secret.
Work
Reviewing a contract.
常见问题
12 个问题It means focusing very hard on something to see every detail. For example, pay close attention to the map so you don't get lost.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without it sounding weird.
You can, but it's much less common than pay close attention. 'Pay' is the standard verb for this phrase.
'Attention' is just looking or listening. Close attention is much more intense and detailed.
Yes! You can pay close attention to a person to see if they are sad or lying.
Not exactly. Here, close means thorough or intimate, like looking at something from a very short distance.
Saying pay closely attention. You need the adjective close to describe the noun attention.
Yes, you can say You weren't paying close attention if someone makes a silly mistake.
Yes, you can use careful, detailed, or undivided attention for similar meanings.
Keep it simple: Pay close attention to the video I just sent!
Not necessarily. It usually just implies that the subject is important or complex.
It is used equally in both! It's a universal English expression.
相关表达
undivided attention
Giving someone 100% of your focus with no distractions.
keep a close eye on
To watch someone or something very carefully over a period of time.
attention to detail
The ability to notice and handle small items or tasks accurately.
listen intently
To listen with sharp focus and great interest.
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