an effort to listen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an effort to listen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing attempts or initiatives aimed at understanding or hearing others' perspectives. Example: "In an effort to listen to community concerns, the council held a series of public forums."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

They make an effort to listen, which is what we do at school.

The Guardian - Arts

Instead, Mr. Romney has described his six-day trip through England, Israel and Poland as an effort to listen more than talk.

The New York Times

Since then, I've been engaged in an effort to listen and understand better, so that in future my words will be more careful and caring.

Independent

Harriet Harman may not be the most gifted of advocates but he could at least have made an effort to listen to what she was saying rather than sneering.

The Guardian

Mr. Loeser, the mayor's spokesman, said that Mr. Sheekey usually met with Rabbi Glanz and Rabbi Niederman within a few days of each other, in an effort to listen to different perspectives on similar community issues.

The New York Times

The corporation conceded it had more work to do in some areas: it needed to ensure staff felt able to speak out when they had concerns, that executives made an effort to listen, and that freelancers were aware of internal whistleblowing policies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Mr Kouchner's starting-point is not la gloire, but a flexible effort to listen and see what works.

The Economist

For him, part of that action needs to be a genuine effort to listen to the needs and demands of Chicago's black citizens.

The Guardian

"There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other, to learn from each other, to respect one another and to seek common ground," the president said.

The New York Times

Make a concentrated effort to listen and learn about another person.

Huffington Post

Make a true effort to listen, process and respond to the person sitting next to you at this very moment.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an effort to listen", ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the effort and who is being listened to for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "an effort to listen" to describe a situation where someone is merely present but not actively engaging with or understanding the speaker. Instead, ensure the listener is actively processing the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an effort to listen" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Science & Research

5%

The Guardian - Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an effort to listen" is a commonly used phrase to describe actively trying to understand or pay attention. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in a variety of contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, formal business settings, and general writing, indicating its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure the context makes it clear who is making the effort and who is being listened to. Using alternatives like "making an attempt to understand" can add nuance depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making an attempt to understand

Focuses on the attempt to comprehend, emphasizing the cognitive aspect of listening.

striving to be attentive

Highlights the quality of attentiveness, suggesting a conscious effort to pay attention.

endeavoring to hear

Emphasizes the act of hearing and the effort involved in processing what is being said.

trying to pay attention

Simple and direct, focusing on the act of paying attention as an active process.

seeking to comprehend

Highlights the goal of understanding, implying an active search for meaning.

making time to hear

Focuses on dedicating time to actively listen and understand someone's perspective.

taking the time to understand

Emphasizes the importance of dedicating sufficient time to fully grasp a concept or situation.

demonstrating active listening

Highlights active participation in listening, going beyond merely hearing words.

working to understand

Suggests an ongoing, continuous process of striving to understand.

showing a willingness to listen

Emphasizes the openness and receptiveness to hearing and considering other viewpoints.

FAQs

How can I use "an effort to listen" in a sentence?

You can use "an effort to listen" to describe attempts to understand someone's perspective, as in, "The company made "an effort to listen" to employee concerns during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "an effort to listen"?

Some alternatives include "making an attempt to understand", "striving to be attentive", or "trying to pay attention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "an effort to listen" and "an attempt to listen"?

"An effort to listen" implies a sustained or genuine attempt to understand, while "an "attempt to listen"" might suggest a single, possibly unsuccessful try.

Is it better to say "make an effort to listen" or "put in an effort to listen"?

"Make "an effort to listen"" is more common and idiomatic. "Put in an effort to listen" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.