be all ears

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "be all ears" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are listening intently and eagerly to what someone else is saying. For example: "I'd love to hear some solutions to this problem - I'm all ears!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

We'll be all ears on Monday morning.

The Guardian - Sport

Doubtless the hosts will be all ears.

The Guardian - Sport

"At the moment he seems to be all ears!

Independent

He would definitely be all ears to hear that.

The Washington Post

Putting your ear to the ground is possible, but to be "all ears"?

The Guardian - Music

Xi Jinping, who is still fairly new to his job, will surely be all ears.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Strauss is all ears.

University of Chicago

Be "all-ears" and listen very closely to what the burglar is doing.

WikiHow

We are all-ears.

HuffPost

I'm all ears.

The New York Times

We're all ears.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the expression "be all ears", make sure your body language matches your words. Maintain eye contact and nod to show you are engaged and actively listening.

Common error

Avoid using "be all ears" in highly formal or professional settings where a more serious or direct tone is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "I am listening carefully" or "Please proceed, I am attentive."

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "be all ears" functions as a declarative expression indicating one's readiness and willingness to listen attentively. It conveys a state of being fully focused on hearing what someone has to say. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse scenarios from personal invitations to professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

23%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "be all ears" is a common and generally accepted way to express that you are ready and willing to listen attentively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While suitable for various contexts, it's best used in neutral to informal settings rather than strictly formal or scientific ones. When using "be all ears", ensure your body language matches your words to convey genuine interest. Alternative phrases like "ready to listen" or "eager to hear" can be used for slight variations in emphasis or in more formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm listening closely

Direct statement of attentiveness.

ready to listen

Emphasizes the preparedness and availability to listen.

eager to hear

Highlights the anticipation and enthusiasm to listen.

listening attentively

Focuses on the action of listening carefully.

tell me everything

Expresses keen interest and encouragement to share details.

all attention

Indicates complete focus and attentiveness.

hanging on every word

Implies intense interest and focus on what someone is saying.

waiting with bated breath

Suggests heightened anticipation and eagerness to hear something.

completely focused

Highlights undivided attention.

fully engaged

Suggests active participation and attentiveness in the conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "be all ears" in a sentence?

You can use "be all ears" to indicate that you are listening attentively and are ready to hear what someone has to say. For example: "If you have any suggestions, I'm "be all ears"."

What are some alternatives to saying "be all ears"?

Alternatives include "ready to listen", "eager to hear", or "listening attentively". Each emphasizes a different aspect of attentiveness.

Is "be all ears" appropriate for formal communication?

While widely understood, "be all ears" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "I am listening carefully" or "I am attentive".

What's the difference between "be all ears" and "pay attention"?

"Be all ears" implies not only listening but also a willingness and eagerness to hear what's being said. "Pay attention" is a more general instruction to focus on something.