Make eye contact.

Meaning: This means to ask someone to look at the speaker while speaking or listening. It's like saying, Please look at me while we are speaking so that I know that you are paying attention.

Choice of Words: Make is a verb that means to cause to exist or happen. Eye is a noun that refers to the organ of sight. Contact is a noun that means the state of being in communication or close association. When you put them together, "Make eye contact" is a request to establish visual communication with the listener.

Alternative Expressions

Look at me.

Meaning: This means to ask someone to direct their eyes or attention to you. It's like saying, Please pay attention to me and what I have to say.

Choice of Words: Look is a verb that means to direct your eyes or attention to something or someone. At is a preposition that indicates a position or direction. Me is a pronoun that refers to the speaker. When you put them together, "Look at me" is a request to someone to focus their attention on the speaker.

Pay attention.

Meaning: This means to ask someone to focus their thoughts and consideration on something. It's like saying, Please think carefully about what I'm saying.

Choice of Words: Pay is a verb that means to give something in exchange for something else. Attention is a noun that refers to the act of giving careful thought or consideration to something. When you put them together, "Pay attention" means to give your full attention to something.

Related Expressions