acute listener

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acute listener" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who has a sharp ear and is attentive to details when listening. For example: "He is an acute listener and can pick up even the faintest of sounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He was an astute inquisitor and an acute listener.

The New York Times

She is an acute listener.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Be a keen listener.

The New York Times

Jacqueline Kennedy is a more acute, articulate listener than Bernstein himself when she writes of the "sensitive trembling" of Mahler's Fifth Symphony, "this strange music of all the gods who were crying," in the book's most extraordinary letter, written at 4 in the morning on June 9 , 1968 hours after Robert F. Kennedy's funeral.

The New York Times - Books

Many listeners still cannot stand Schoenberg.

The New Yorker

Allah is The Best Listener and The Best Helper.

WikiHow

President Obama is a voracious reader, an acute observer, and a great listener who absorbed peoples' stories.

Huffington Post

As Winitz et al. [35] suggest, the high burst for /t/ may be interpreted by the listener as /i/, or as Bonneau [36] puts it, the acute spectrum of /t/ might evoke an /i/ timbre.

Plosone

His listener seems unconvinced.

The Economist

Becoming a good listener.

The New York Times

A good listener?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acute listener" when you want to emphasize not just good listening skills, but also a sharp, insightful understanding of what is being communicated. It suggests the person picks up on subtle cues and nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "acute listener" simply as a substitute for "good listener". "Acute" implies a higher level of perceptiveness and insight, so reserve it for situations where that nuanced understanding is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute listener" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "acute" modifies the noun "listener", describing a specific quality or characteristic of the listener. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acute listener" describes someone with exceptional listening skills, characterized by sharpness, perceptiveness, and insight. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While grammatically sound, it is a less common alternative to more general terms like "good listener" or "attentive listener", and is more suited to formal contexts. Ludwig's analysis of source types shows that it is most frequently used in News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astute listener

Similar to "acute", suggesting intelligence and perceptiveness in listening.

attentive listener

Replaces "acute" with a more common synonym, emphasizing focused attention.

careful listener

Highlights thoroughness and attention to detail in the act of listening.

sharp listener

Emphasizes quickness and precision in understanding what's being said.

perceptive listener

Highlights the ability to understand nuances and underlying meanings.

discerning listener

Suggests the ability to differentiate between important and unimportant information.

active listener

Emphasizes engagement and responsiveness in the listening process.

insightful listener

Focuses on the ability to derive deep understanding and insights from listening.

keen observer

Shifts the focus slightly from auditory to visual perception, but still implies perceptiveness.

good listener

A more general term, but still conveys the positive attribute of being attentive.

FAQs

How can you use "acute listener" in a sentence?

You can use "acute listener" to describe someone who is not only attentive but also perceptive and insightful in their listening. For instance, "The therapist was an acute listener, quickly understanding the underlying issues."

What are some synonyms for "acute listener"?

Alternatives to "acute listener" include "attentive listener", "perceptive listener", or "astute listener", each emphasizing different aspects of skilled listening.

Is "acute listener" formal or informal language?

"Acute listener" leans towards a more formal register due to the slightly uncommon use of "acute". It is appropriate in professional or academic contexts where precise language is valued.

What is the difference between "acute listener" and "good listener"?

While a "good listener" is generally attentive, an "acute listener" possesses a heightened ability to discern subtle nuances and deeper meanings in communication. "Acute" implies a sharper, more insightful understanding.