What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pays attention to detail
Example
She always pays attention to detail when working on a project. [pays attention to detail: verb phrase]
Example
The artist was very meticulous in his painting, paying attention to every brushstroke. [meticulous: adjective]
meticulous
Example
The surgeon was meticulous in his work, ensuring every incision was precise. [meticulous: adjective]
Example
She spent hours meticulously cleaning the house, leaving no corner untouched. [meticulously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pays attention to detail is more commonly used than meticulous in everyday language. Pays attention to detail is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, while meticulous is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pays attention to detail and meticulous?
Meticulous is more formal than pays attention to detail. While pays attention to detail can be used in both formal and informal contexts, meticulous is typically reserved for more formal situations.
