a receptive listener

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a receptive listener" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is open to hearing and understanding what others are saying, often in contexts related to communication or interpersonal skills. Example: "In order to foster effective communication, it is essential to be a receptive listener during discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Still, he found a receptive listener in Olson, who had demurred when he was approached about defending Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court.

The New Yorker

Note: A gut feeling finally becomes a hunch when it is transmuted into the form of clear, precise, verbal statements uttered aloud to a receptive listener — internal or external — who responds in kind.

The New Yorker

Their good fortune is to have found a receptive listener in Mr Benyon, a millionaire landowner with a 20,000-acre Berkshire estate and a strong sympathy for the shooting lobby.

Independent

But far from creating a barrier, the occasional flaws and documentary residue on the Fono recordings transport a receptive listener into the presence of artists long departed from the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

Knowing that they have a receptive listener any time will make a lot of difference to their willpower.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I was a very receptive listener.

The New Yorker

Mr. Blair has in turn described Mr. Bush as a well-briefed, gracious and receptive listener, who this week heeded Mr. Blair's advice to expand the military coalition of European nations fighting the Taliban.

The New York Times

And if, in the coming years, robots and algorithms provide another big shock to the economy, destroying tens of millions more decent-paying jobs, how many former truck drivers and displaced white-collar workers will be receptive listeners to a future Trump?

The New Yorker

And he elicited another round of applause by urging his receptive listeners -- Ithaca being a liberal outpost in a rural and generally conservative setting -- to continue opposing the war.

The New York Times

I suspect that listeners in 2017 like me after my week of excessive emotion will be highly receptive listeners, eager for any insights we can glean.

The New Yorker

Jiri Pehe, another former adviser to Mr. Havel, said that compared with 2003, when he left office, the kind of corruption that he had railed against was now a major issue and in hard times his warnings about unchecked market forces were reaching more receptive listeners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a receptive listener" to describe someone who not only hears what is being said but also demonstrates an openness to understanding and considering the speaker's perspective. This is particularly useful in contexts where empathy and understanding are important.

Common error

Avoid using "a receptive listener" when you simply mean someone is present and hearing the words but not necessarily engaging with or understanding the message. Receptiveness implies active engagement and a willingness to consider the speaker's viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a receptive listener" functions as a descriptive term, modifying the noun "listener". It indicates a specific quality or attribute of the listener, highlighting their openness and willingness to understand. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in describing individuals who are empathetic and understanding in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a receptive listener" describes someone who is not only able to hear what someone is saying but is also open and willing to understand their perspective. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the phrase is relatively rare, it often appears in news and media contexts, and it conveys a sense of empathy and active engagement. Consider using alternatives such as "an attentive listener" or "an open-minded listener" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Being "a receptive listener" is essential for effective communication and building strong relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attentive listener

Focuses on the listener's level of attention rather than their openness.

an open-minded listener

Emphasizes the listener's willingness to consider new ideas.

a good listener

A more general term, not necessarily implying active engagement.

an understanding listener

Highlights the listener's capacity for empathy and comprehension.

a sympathetic listener

Suggests the listener feels compassion for the speaker.

a responsive listener

Emphasizes the listener's active engagement and feedback.

an accepting listener

Stresses the listener's non-judgmental attitude.

a keen listener

Focuses on the listener's eagerness and enthusiasm.

a patient listener

Highlights the listener's ability to listen without interruption.

a careful listener

Emphasizes the listener's attention to detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "a receptive listener" to describe someone who is open and attentive to what others are saying, such as, "The therapist was "a receptive listener", providing a safe space for the patient to share their feelings."

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

Alternatives to "a receptive listener" include "an attentive listener", "an open-minded listener", or "a sympathetic listener", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "a receptive listener" or just "a listener"?

Being "a receptive listener" implies a more active and engaged form of listening compared to simply being "a listener". Receptiveness suggests openness to understanding and considering the speaker's viewpoint, which can foster better communication and relationships.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as "a receptive listener"?

It is appropriate to describe someone as "a receptive listener" when they demonstrate qualities such as attentiveness, empathy, and a willingness to understand and consider different perspectives. This term is particularly suitable in contexts like therapy, counseling, or conflict resolution.