Directing notice toward an issue

The idea

Draw attention to means make people notice something. A possessive can specify whose attention is drawn.

Examples

• The poster draws attention to unsafe crossings.
• Our report drew attention to a gap in funding.
• The teacher drew attention to an unusual pattern.
• The exhibition draws attention to local wildlife.
• A neighbour drew our attention to the broken gate.
• The discussion drew attention to a need for training.

Watch out

Avoid draw attention on a problem: use to before the issue.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the missing word. The article will ___ attention to the shortage. (draw / draws)

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   draw

   draw follows the modal in the base form.

2. Choose the missing word. The speech ___ attention to the delay yesterday. (drew / draws)

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   drew

   drew is the past form for yesterday.

3. Choose the missing word. The sign draws attention ___ the loose step. (to / on)

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   to

   to introduces the issue being noticed.

Use it today

Describe a local issue and how you could make people notice it.