'Pay Attention To' or 'Pay Attention On'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

(Last Updated: 26 February 2024)

Pay Attention To or Pay Attention On: Which One Is Correct?

The correct phrase is pay attention to. This phrase means 'to focus or concentrate on someone or something'. Pay attention on is not a correct phrase in English: 

✅ Please pay attention to me while I'm speaking. It's important that you understand the instructions.
❌ Please pay attention on me while I'm speaking. It's important that you understand the instructions.

✅ You should pay more attention to your children.
❌ You should pay more attention on your children.

✅ During the lesson, you should pay attention to the teacher's explanations. 
❌ During the lesson, you should pay attention on the teacher's explanations.

✅ If you want to get to know someone better, you need to pay attention to their interests and hobbies.
❌ If you want to get to know someone better, you need to pay attention on their interests and hobbies.

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Examples from the Media

Forget the imperialistic fluff! Let's pay attention to things that matter! —Toronto Star (2022)

The study found 65% of listeners paid attention to podcast adverts—more than adverts on TV at 39% and adverts on the radio at 38%. —The Guardian (2022)

It's time Australia's public museums gave up these vices and paid attention to consistent artists such as Idris Murphy (b.1949), who have acquired a strong following among private collectors with no encouragement from the institutions. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2023)

If a couple has a healthy, happy relationship, I would bet it's because the two have made an effort to pay attention to each other. —Chicago Tribune (2019)