a ready ear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a ready ear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is willing to listen attentively and openly to others. Example: "Whenever I have a problem, I know I can count on Sarah to lend a ready ear and offer her support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Sue was an extraordinary friend, always providing a ready ear, understanding, wisdom and support.

The New York Times

He has a deep voice, a ready ear and a childlike glint in his eye whenever things get tense.

The Guardian

People felt they were in the presence of a benign judge with a ready ear for their problems.

The Guardian

An Orthodox rabbi and a prominent conservative political strategist have formed an organization to mobilize the nation's evangelical Christians in support of Israel, hoping to find a ready ear in the Bush administration.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Under the low ceiling, even in the brick-walled room at the very back, the sounds of merriment seem strangely close, as if each peal of brittle laughter, each gleefully spilled secret, were directed toward your own ready ear.

The New Yorker

In 1988, the message found ready ears.

The New York Times

The surprise of 2016 post-Brexit 2016 post-Brexitust how ably the Russians weapost-Trump islyrics, tweak them to "Whites will rise from their knees!" and megapost-Trump isto so many ready ears in Eastern and Western Europe and, eventually, onto our own shores.

The New Yorker

In her bluejeans and lacy top, and large gold crosses adorning her ears, with a ready smile and calm demeanor, Addison did not look like the person who earlier in the week had warned listeners of the "demonic" and "evil" threat facing marriage and of the deviant path that marriage could take if homosexuals, as she refers to gays, were allowed to wed.

Los Angeles Times

A caring friend, always ready with a willing ear.

The New York Times

A ready-made documentary, What Jade Did Next (Channel 4), was a silk purse lovingly stitched from the ears of several sows.

The Guardian

Make sure that your friends, classmates, and acquaintances all know that you are always there for them, and ready to be a sympathetic ear.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a ready ear" to describe someone who is not only willing to listen, but also understanding and supportive. It's a great way to highlight their empathetic nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a ready ear" when you simply mean someone can hear you. This phrase implies attentiveness, understanding, and support, not just the physical ability to hear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a ready ear" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a verb (e.g., lend, offer, find). It describes someone who is willing and prepared to listen attentively and empathetically, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a ready ear" is a phrase used to describe someone who is willing to listen attentively and empathetically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not as common as other similar phrases, such as "a listening ear", it carries a nuanced meaning of proactive support and understanding. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using "a ready ear", ensure that you're not just referring to someone's ability to hear, but rather their willingness to listen with understanding and support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a listening ear

Focuses specifically on the act of listening attentively.

an attentive ear

Highlights the quality of being focused and observant while listening.

a sympathetic ear

Emphasizes empathy and understanding in listening.

an open ear

Suggests a willingness to hear different perspectives.

a receptive ear

Indicates a willingness to accept new ideas or information.

a willing ear

Highlights the eagerness to listen and engage.

an understanding ear

Stresses the ability to comprehend and empathize with what's being said.

a compassionate ear

Emphasizes kindness and caring in the act of listening.

someone who listens well

A more general way of describing someone who is a good listener.

someone who is all ears

Suggests eagerness and full attention to listening.

FAQs

How can I use "a ready ear" in a sentence?

You can use "a ready ear" to describe someone who is willing to listen attentively and openly to others. For example: "Whenever I have a problem, I know I can count on Sarah to lend "a ready ear and offer her support."

What are some alternatives to "a ready ear"?

You can use alternatives like "a listening ear", "an attentive ear", or "a sympathetic ear" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a ready ear" or "a listening ear"?

Both "a ready ear" and "a listening ear" are correct and convey a similar meaning. However, "a ready ear" might suggest a slightly more proactive and supportive stance.

What does it mean to lend "a ready ear"?

To lend "a ready ear" means to offer someone your attention, understanding, and support by listening to them attentively. It implies being available to hear their concerns or problems.