a receptive ear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a receptive ear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is open to listening and understanding others' thoughts or feelings. Example: "During our meeting, she proved to be a receptive ear, allowing everyone to share their ideas without interruption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

They're suddenly finding a receptive ear.

The New York Times

Other contributors are hoping to cement an alliance with the administration or simply insure a receptive ear.

The New York Times

But few Dagestanis now believe in a brighter future.Instead, more of them are turning a receptive ear to Islamic extremism.

The Economist

The legal expertise of lawyers like me is probably less important than the willingness to trumpet wrongdoing in the hope of finding a receptive ear.

The Guardian

Price found a receptive ear in Hugo Hillebrandt, a Hungarian revolutionary who had fought with Garibaldi in Italy before joining the Union cause as a federal agent.

The New York Times

"I said, 'Don't do anything about TV until I talk to you,' " said Ebersol, who had no openings in his sports schedule, but found a receptive ear from NBC's entertainment division on low-rated Saturday night.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Truth be told — if I looked like her, I'd wear the red heels and a miniskirt to gain a more receptive ear.

Forbes

This political argument found a surprisingly receptive ear in Berlin (which has itself broken EU deficit rules in the past).Indeed, after several rocky years Franco-German relations are warming.

The Economist

"We should have a more receptive ear at the EPA, if you read the tea leaves in the coming administration, that would pay attention to the economic devastation that some of these sanctions could cause to poor regions like ours," Sadredin says.

The Guardian

Truth be told, if I looked like her I'd wear the red heels and miniskirt to gain a more receptive ear.

Forbes

Legal scholars say that nearly a quarter- century after President Jimmy Carter began naming large numbers of women and minorities to the federal bench, women jurists are lending a measurably more receptive ear than males to cries of gender discrimination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a receptive ear" when you want to emphasize that someone is not only listening but also genuinely considering what is being said. For example, "The manager lent a receptive ear to the employee's concerns, leading to positive changes in the workplace."

Common error

Avoid using "a receptive ear" to simply describe someone who is physically present but not actively engaged. The phrase implies active listening and a willingness to understand, not just passive hearing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a receptive ear" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb such as "find", "lend", or "offer". It describes the quality of being open and willing to listen and consider another's perspective. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a receptive ear" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes someone who is open and willing to listen and understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase. It's primarily used in news and media contexts, with some presence in formal and business settings. To convey similar meanings, consider alternatives such as "a sympathetic ear" or "an open mind", as long as they align with the intended nuance. Avoid using the expression to describe passive listening, as it implies active engagement and understanding. When aiming for clarity and impact in your writing, remember that "a receptive ear" signifies genuine consideration and attentiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sympathetic ear

Implies not only listening but also understanding and sharing the speaker's feelings.

a willing listener

Highlights the readiness and eagerness to listen to someone.

an open mind

Emphasizes having a mind free from prejudice, ready to consider new ideas.

an understanding recipient

Highlights the ability to grasp and comprehend what is being conveyed.

an attentive audience

Focuses on the attentiveness and focus of the listeners.

a responsive audience

Highlights the responsiveness and engagement of the listeners.

an approachable confidant

Stresses the ease of approaching someone to share secrets or personal matters.

open to suggestions

Implies a willingness to consider and accept new ideas or advice.

a welcoming reception

Shifts the focus to the overall welcoming and positive atmosphere.

amenable to discussion

Focuses on being open and agreeable to engaging in conversation and debate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a receptive ear" to describe someone who is willing to listen and consider new ideas or concerns. For example, "The company's management provided "a receptive ear" to employee feedback during the town hall meeting."

What's a good alternative to "a receptive ear"?

Alternatives to "a receptive ear" include "a sympathetic ear", "an open mind", or "a willing listener". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your context.

Is it better to say "a receptive ear" or "receptive ears"?

The choice depends on the context. "A receptive ear" typically refers to an individual listener, while "receptive ears" implies multiple listeners. For example, "The speaker hoped his message would find "receptive ears" among the audience".

What does it mean when someone offers "a receptive ear"?

When someone offers "a receptive ear", it means they are willing to listen attentively and consider your thoughts or concerns without immediate judgment. They are open to understanding your perspective.