a friendly ear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a friendly ear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who is willing to listen and provide support or comfort to another person. Example: "Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I know I can count on Sarah to lend a friendly ear and help me sort through my thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

He gave his young employee a friendly ear.

The New York Times

In turn, he would help them sift through their stash and lend a friendly ear to their troubles.

The New York Times

"Speak to a mental health professional on your campus or another – impartial – friend who can offer a friendly ear," says a Student Minds spokesperson.

The Guardian

I've heard the most moving and inspiring stories about wartime work, and been a friendly ear when clients have needed someone to listen.

The Guardian

They didn't seem to need revelations in return, though no doubt they would have been welcomed, but just a friendly ear.

The Guardian - Arts

The informant also provided them with jobs, money, a place to live, a friendly ear, beer, pot and the prescription stimulant Adderall.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He is one of few Republican senators in a region that is home to the nation's most important financial centers, providing an open door and friendly ear to a executives who often lean Republican in their political giving but whose representatives in Washington are predominantly Democrats.

The New York Times

--Leonard CamPoliceo is a Polichiefinf in Gloucester, Massachusetts who has decided to scrap the 'War on Drugs' for a more practical approach- offering a helping hand and friendly ear to heroin addicts in the town.

HuffPost

The union's concerns fell on mostly friendly ears at the all-day hearing, which had been called by Senator Bill Perkins of Harlem, an outspoken critic of the charter school movement.

The New York Times

Music rightsholders sense that their arguments may be falling on friendly ears – certainly in Europe – while YouTube's louder public defence of its status suggests it sees the way that wind is blowing too.

The Guardian - Tech

Jazek expects this part of the budget proposal to meet with friendly ears in Congress both the House of Representatives and the Senate have prioritized the issue and have proposed bills to create an accelerated approval pathway for new antibiotics, she points out.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, clarify the boundaries of your role as "a friendly ear". While providing support is valuable, it's important to avoid crossing into counseling or therapeutic roles without proper training.

Common error

Avoid immediately offering solutions or advice when someone seeks "a friendly ear". Sometimes, people simply need to express their feelings and be heard, not necessarily to receive unsolicited guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a friendly ear" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a verb or preposition. It describes the act of providing supportive listening. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a friendly ear" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe offering supportive listening. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across various contexts, especially in news media. While it generally carries a neutral tone, it's crucial to ensure genuine empathy when offering it. Alternatives like "a sympathetic listener" or "a listening ear" can be used to add nuance, while focusing on actively listening without immediately offering solutions remains a best practice. Being "a friendly ear" requires empathy, active listening, and an understanding of when to offer support without overstepping boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sympathetic listener

Focuses on empathy and understanding in listening.

a listening ear

Emphasizes the act of listening itself.

a supportive confidant

Highlights the role of providing support and maintaining confidentiality.

a shoulder to cry on

Implies providing comfort during distress.

an open ear

Focuses on accessibility and willingness to listen.

a receptive audience

Suggests a willingness to receive and consider what is being said.

a comforting presence

Highlights the reassuring nature of being there for someone.

an understanding friend

Emphasizes the aspect of comprehension and companionship.

a trustworthy advisor

Focuses on giving reliable counsel after listening.

a compassionate sounding board

Combines empathy with the function of helping someone process their thoughts.

FAQs

What does it mean to offer "a friendly ear"?

Offering "a friendly ear" means providing someone with an opportunity to talk and be heard without judgment. It's about being a supportive listener.

How can I be "a friendly ear" for someone?

To be "a friendly ear", practice active listening by paying attention, asking clarifying questions, and showing empathy. Avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice.

What are some alternatives to saying "a friendly ear"?

You can use alternatives like "a sympathetic listener", "a listening ear", or "a supportive confidant" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to offer "a friendly ear"?

Offering "a friendly ear" is appropriate in many situations, such as when a friend is going through a difficult time, a colleague needs to vent, or a family member is facing a challenge. It's especially helpful when they just need someone to listen.