be able to listen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to listen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capability or willingness to listen to others, often in contexts related to communication or understanding. Example: "In order to be an effective leader, one must be able to listen to the concerns of their team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You'll be able to listen to music at the same time your friends do.

The New Yorker

It's nice to be able to listen to somebody, eventually, failing to make a record.

The New York Times - Arts

"You've got to be able to listen to everything at one time," he says.

The New York Times

"You've got to be able to listen to them, talk to them, and understand their problems".

The New York Times

Would I ever be able to listen to Blue Lines the same way again?

The Guardian - Music

"In this role, you need to be able to listen and understand," she says.

The Guardian

That's the same as Spotify - but you will be able to listen to Taylor Swift.

The Guardian - Tech

Users will be able to listen to clips of the music and watch videos from within the app.

Independent

Spotify, however, argues that fans "should be able to listen to music wherever and whenever they want".

Independent

Users will be able to listen to downloads on a variety of Sony devices, some far cheaper than Apple's iPod.

The Economist

And you obviously need to be able to listen if you're going to actually hear those opinions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be able to listen" in professional contexts, ensure it's followed by a clear indication of what should be listened to, such as 'customer feedback' or 'team concerns'.

Common error

Avoid using "be able to listen" when a simpler verb like "listen" suffices. For instance, instead of saying "You need to be able to listen during the lecture", simply state "You need to listen during the lecture".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to listen" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase, expressing the capacity or ability to hear and understand. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently appears in contexts where communication, understanding, and empathy are important.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to listen" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that highlights the capacity for both hearing and understanding. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While simple to use, it's important to consider the specific context and avoid redundancy by opting for simpler verbs when appropriate. When the emphasis is on comprehension and empathy, "be able to listen" serves as a strong and effective choice. Remember to practice active listening, not just hearing, to communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of listening

Replaces "able" with "capable", emphasizing the inherent ability.

have the ability to listen

Rephrases the ability using a noun phrase.

be available to listen

Focuses on the readiness and accessibility to listen.

be prepared to listen

Highlights the willingness and readiness to listen.

be willing to listen

Highlights the willingness and desire to listen.

be open to listening

Emphasizes a receptive attitude towards listening.

be in a position to listen

Indicates having the opportunity or circumstances to listen.

know how to listen

Focuses on the skill and understanding of effective listening.

be ready to hear

Shifts the focus slightly from the act of listening to the act of hearing and understanding.

be understanding

Highlights the result of listening, that is, being understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "be able to listen" in a sentence?

You can use "be able to listen" to indicate someone's capability or opportunity to hear and understand something. For example: "To be a good leader, you must "be able to listen" to your team's concerns".

What's a more formal way to say "be able to listen"?

In formal settings, consider alternatives like "be capable of listening" or "possess the capacity to listen". These phrases emphasize the skill and ability to understand, particularly in professional or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "be able to listen" to emphasize willingness?

To emphasize willingness, you can use phrases such as "be willing to listen" or "be prepared to listen". These alternatives highlight a positive and receptive attitude.

How does "be able to listen" differ from "be able to hear"?

"Be able to hear" refers primarily to the physical ability to perceive sound. In contrast, ""be able to listen"" implies not only hearing but also understanding and paying attention to what is being said.