attentive ear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attentive ear" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to listen carefully or with full attention. Example: The teacher asked her students to listen with attentive ears during the lecture. OR His attentive ear caught every word she said, showing how much he valued her opinion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Health

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In addition, Mr. Beach personally woos patrons, lending an attentive ear to their interests and tastes.

The New York Times

He had friends by the carload, who were drawn to his tall, semi-silent elegance and attentive ear.

The New Yorker

Anybody with the slightest need for the contents inside -- be it a warm jacket or his attentive ear -- was welcome.

The New York Times

Eventually, Benny Avni was elected head of the Tel Ilan District Council, where he was widely liked, owing to his attentive ear and modest disposition.

The New Yorker

When the waiter came to take his order, he barked, "For heaven's sake, what's the rumble?" The waiter cocked an attentive ear, not at the ventilator but at the grille from which the Muzak was giving out.

The New Yorker

A pleasant bedside manner and an attentive ear have always been desirable traits in doctors, of course, but two trends have led school administrators to make the hunt for these qualities a priority.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

That reached very attentive ears here".

The New York Times

They stimulate discussion, make more good bottles available to more people and, most important, offer by far the most useful resources for increasing the American public's confidence in its often uneasy relationship with wine: attentive ears and friendly voices.

The New York Times - Food

All I can report is that the interweaving of four actors with four musicians works superbly and that Complicite's kaleidoscopic approach made me listen to Shostakovich's final, sombre string quartet with freshly attentive ears.

The Guardian

By all accounts, he was the proverbial kid by the camp ring of fire, leaning forward with bated breath, absorbing his elders' rural cadences with the attentive ears of a piano tuner.

The New York Times - Books

The hog should be attentive; ears should be perky and should walk with its head up and not "depressed" looking.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a performance or presentation, using "attentive ear" suggests that the audience is actively engaged and appreciating the nuances of the work.

Common error

Avoid using "attentive ear" when you simply mean someone is present and hearing sounds. This phrase implies active engagement and thoughtful consideration, not just physical presence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attentive ear" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a capacity for careful and engaged listening. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing individuals known for their ability to listen with focus and understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

12%

Health

6%

Less common in

Education

6%

Wiki

6%

Science

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attentive ear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes someone who listens carefully and thoughtfully. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and the Arts. To ensure accurate usage, remember that it implies active engagement and understanding, not just passive hearing. Consider alternatives like "careful listening" or "sympathetic ear" to fine-tune the message. The top authoritative sources featuring this phrase are The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

listening intently

Emphasizes the depth of focus and concentration during the listening process.

active listening

Highlights the engagement and participation of the listener in the conversation.

giving full attention

Highlights the dedication and commitment to listening without distractions.

careful listening

Emphasizes the act of listening with care and diligence, rather than just passively hearing.

sympathetic ear

Implies listening with empathy and understanding towards the speaker's feelings.

receptive audience

Focuses on the willingness and openness of the listener to receive new information.

focused attention

Highlights the concentration and dedication given to the act of listening.

open mind

Stresses the importance of being unbiased and unprejudiced while listening.

eager to hear

Expresses enthusiasm and anticipation in listening to what someone has to say.

keen interest

Suggests a strong level of curiosity and engagement in the topic being discussed.

FAQs

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

You can use "attentive ear" to describe someone who is listening carefully and showing interest, such as: "The therapist lent an "attentive ear" to the patient's concerns."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "attentive ear"?

Alternatives to "attentive ear" include "active listening", "careful listening", and "sympathetic ear", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to lend an "attentive ear"?

To lend an "attentive ear" means to listen with focus, interest, and empathy. It suggests that you are not only hearing the words but also understanding and considering the speaker's perspective.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "attentive ear"?

While generally appropriate, ensure the context implies genuine engagement and not just physical hearing. If the situation calls for passive listening, a simpler term like "hearing" might be more accurate.