active reader

USAGE SUMMARY

"active reader" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a reader who is actively engaged in understanding, analyzing, and critically evaluating a text. Example: An active reader will approach a book with an open mind and actively seek out the underlying themes and messages portrayed by the author.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"I went from a reluctant reader to this voracious, active reader," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When you are a voracious active reader in your mid-twenties, your political views change a lot" she said.

The Guardian - Tech

At the very least, what you have is an active reader of a dictionary at the time".

The New Yorker

Chanel is no active reader, browses among the French moderns as a form of self-defence, and refuses to read any book that tells what really happened, as she hates history: it is so dead.

The New Yorker

Tsiskaridze is an active reader of histories and novels that were outlawed in the Soviet era, and yet he yearns for the verities of Soviet life, particularly in the "micro-cosmos" of the Bolshoi.

The New Yorker

Ulitskaya may be the only person who lived through the previous period of blatant repression as an active reader and has entered the current one as a professional writer.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The critics of the term are among the most active readers in drawing that inference".

The New York Times

The partnership has spawned an e-book service that is attracting over 335,000 active readers per month.

The Guardian

Flipboard came to prominence as a news-reading app for tablets and smartphones, attracting more than 50 million monthly active readers by the end of 2014.

The Guardian - Tech

The readers of the opinion pages are among the most active readers, commenters and sharers of The Times's work, and we hope that these improvements will allow you to interact with our journalism more easily, and more frequently.

The New York Times

With 127,000 active readers' passes in circulation and a total of 1,480 dedicated studying seats, the library is doing its best to manage the situation, including dispatching monitors to remind members of things "like not talking in reading rooms and not leaving your books on the desk and going off for lunch," the spokeswoman said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to improve comprehension, transform yourself from a passive recipient of information into an "active reader" by annotating texts, asking questions, and summarizing key points as you go.

Common error

Avoid thinking that speed reading equates to being an "active reader". While speed reading can increase reading rate, it often sacrifices comprehension. An "active reader" prioritizes understanding and critical engagement over sheer speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "active reader" functions as a noun phrase, where "active" modifies "reader". It describes a specific type of reader characterized by their engagement and participation with the text. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is commonly used and understood in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "active reader" describes someone who engages deeply with written material through techniques like annotation, questioning, and summarizing. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is both correct and commonly used, appearing frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Wiki" contexts. While speed reading might increase the rate, an "active reader" prioritizes understanding, unlike speed reading. To become an "active reader", adopt specific techniques like taking notes and actively relating the content to your existing knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaged reader

Focuses on the reader's involvement and investment in the material.

attentive reader

Highlights the reader's careful and focused attention to the text.

discerning reader

Emphasizes the reader's ability to make judgments and critical assessments.

thoughtful reader

Suggests a reader who reflects deeply on the content and its implications.

analytical reader

Highlights the reader's skill in breaking down and interpreting complex information.

critical reader

Focuses on the reader's evaluation and questioning of the text's assumptions and arguments.

inquisitive reader

Emphasizes the reader's curiosity and desire to explore further.

participatory reader

Highlights the reader's involvement in constructing meaning and engaging with the text.

reactive reader

Suggests someone who responds actively and critically to what they read.

studious reader

Implies a reader who dedicates time and effort to carefully studying the text.

FAQs

How can I become a more "active reader"?

To become a more "active reader", try annotating texts, summarizing sections in your own words, asking questions as you read, and connecting the material to your own experiences. Engaging with the text in these ways promotes deeper understanding and retention.

What are the benefits of being an "active reader"?

Being an "active reader" leads to improved comprehension, better retention of information, enhanced critical thinking skills, and a more engaging and enjoyable reading experience. It transforms reading from a passive activity to an interactive and rewarding one.

Is there a difference between an "active reader" and an "engaged reader"?

While the terms are closely related, an "active reader" emphasizes specific techniques used to interact with the text, whereas an "engaged reader" suggests a broader sense of connection and investment in the reading material. Both highlight the importance of not just reading the words, but truly understanding them.

What skills are essential for an "active reader"?

Essential skills for an "active reader" include note-taking, summarizing, questioning, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Developing these skills allows the reader to critically assess the text, connect it to prior knowledge, and construct a deeper understanding of the subject matter.