Grammar fix
pay attention
focus
to concentrate on something or listen carefully to it, so you notice important details.
collocationB1core
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- You need to pay attention during the lecture if you want to understand the topic.study
- In my opinion, students should pay attention in class because it helps them remember information and get better grades.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: pay attention (to + noun/pronoun)
WrongYou should pay attention the teacher.
RightYou should pay attention to the teacher.
'Pay attention TO' someone/something — don't drop 'to'.
Patternpay attention (to + noun/pronoun)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Pay attention' is the standard phrase; 'direct your concentration towards' is unnatural.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
pay attention to + focusto detailto the roadin classclosely
Don't confuse it
'Pay attention' is about focusing your mind, not about being polite or showing respect.