easy listening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "easy listening" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a style of music or radio programming that is smooth, mellow, and relaxing. Example: "I love listening to easy listening music while I read in the evenings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Easy listening.

The New York Times

Francis" is not easy listening.

The New Yorker

Easy listening music felled his next show.

The New York Times

This does not necessarily make for easy listening.

The New York Times - Arts

We got a whole easy listening revival in the 90s.

The Guardian - Music

Easy listening made it difficult to stay: decline is not picturesque.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

My favourites are Japanese nature and Russian easy-listening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The choreography is fundamentally untroubled by passion and the music borders on easy-listening.

The Economist

And some bad easy-listening and 10 minutes of vanilla missionary doesn't do it for everybody".

Forbes

Paul Oscar worked with easy-listening group Casino on their album Stereo (1998).

Wikipedia

At its best, it's easy-listening food.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "easy listening" to describe music that is relaxing and undemanding, suitable for creating a calm atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "easy listening" to dismiss music as lacking depth or artistic merit. While it may be simple in structure, it can still be well-crafted and enjoyable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "easy listening" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a genre or style of music. As Ludwig AI points out, it signifies music designed for relaxation and creating a calming atmosphere. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from radio formats to personal listening preferences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

19%

Huffington Post

13%

Less common in

The New Yorker

9%

BBC

6%

TechCrunch

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "easy listening" is a common noun phrase used to describe a genre of music characterized by its relaxing and undemanding qualities. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is generally grammatically correct and widely understood. While its register is typically neutral, it's important to avoid using it dismissively, as it can sometimes carry negative connotations. Instead of demeaning the value of certain genres of music. Remember that context is key, so you can use alternatives like "mellow music" or "relaxing tunes" to refine your message and reach a broader audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mellow music

Focuses on the relaxed and soothing quality of the music.

pleasant listening

Highlights that the music is enjoyable and agreeable to hear.

relaxing tunes

Highlights the calming effect of the music.

soothing melodies

Emphasizes the gentle and comforting nature of the musical arrangements.

laid-back music

Suggests a casual and unhurried style of music.

gentle music

Underlines the soft and delicate qualities of the music.

smooth jazz

Refers to a specific subgenre often associated with easy listening.

adult contemporary

Identifies a radio format that often includes easy listening music.

background music

Emphasizes that the music is not meant to be the main focus of attention.

elevator music

A somewhat disparaging term for very simple and unobtrusive easy listening.

FAQs

How to use "easy listening" in a sentence?

"Easy listening" music is perfect for relaxing after a long day, or for creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.

What's the difference between "easy listening" and "smooth jazz"?

While both are relaxing genres, "easy listening" encompasses a broader range of styles, whereas "smooth jazz" is a specific subgenre with a jazz foundation.

What are some synonyms for "easy listening"?

You can use alternatives like "mellow music", "relaxing tunes", or "soothing melodies".

Is "easy listening" considered a positive or negative term?

It depends on the context. Some view it positively as relaxing music, while others use it negatively to imply the music lacks depth or originality. The term is generally considered "neutral".