good listener

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good listener" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing someone who pays attention to what someone else is saying and provides thoughtful or appropriate responses. For example, "My friend is a good listener; when I have a problem she always listens and offers wise advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm a good listener".

The New Yorker

Becoming a good listener.

The New York Times

A good listener?

The New York Times

He was a good listener".

The New York Times - Sports

He's also a good listener.

The New York Times - Arts

"And Doug's a good listener".

The New York Times

Brown is a good listener.

The Guardian

I thought he was a good listener".

The New Yorker

But he's a really good listener.

The New Yorker

"He's loyal, honest, a good listener".

The New York Times

He's always been a good listener.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good listener" to highlight someone's ability to understand and respond thoughtfully to others. It implies not just hearing words, but also grasping the speaker's emotions and intentions.

Common error

Avoid portraying a "good listener" as someone who simply stays silent. Active listening involves asking clarifying questions and providing thoughtful feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good listener" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to characterize an individual possessing strong listening skills. Ludwig examples show it applied to people in various professions and relationships, emphasizing their capacity to understand and respond thoughtfully.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good listener" is a common and positive descriptor, indicating someone who not only hears but also understands and empathizes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While simple, this phrase carries significant weight in evaluating interpersonal skills. Contextual synonyms include "attentive listener", "active listener", and "empathetic listener". To maximize effectiveness, use it to describe genuine engagement rather than passive silence. Its frequent appearance in News & Media reflects its importance in various social and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attentive listener

Replaces "good" with "attentive", emphasizing the focus and engagement of the listener.

active listener

Highlights the listener's engagement in the conversation through responses and feedback.

empathetic listener

Focuses on the listener's ability to understand and share the feelings of the speaker.

understanding listener

Emphasizes comprehension and acceptance on the part of the listener.

receptive listener

Highlights the listener's openness to new ideas and perspectives.

good at listening

Rephrases the adjective-noun structure into a verb-focused phrase.

someone who listens well

Turns the phrase into a descriptive clause emphasizing the quality of listening.

skilled listener

Replaces "good" with "skilled", which suggests competence in listening.

a person who is a good listener

Adds length and formality to the phrase by expanding it into a full sentence.

someone who provides a listening ear

Uses a metaphor to describe someone who listens to other people's issues.

FAQs

What does it mean to be a "good listener"?

Being a "good listener" means not only hearing what someone says, but also understanding their message, showing empathy, and providing thoughtful responses. It's about active engagement in the conversation.

What are some qualities of a "good listener"?

Qualities of a "good listener" include attentiveness, empathy, patience, non-judgmental attitude, and the ability to provide thoughtful feedback. They are also "active listeners", engaging fully with the speaker.

How can I become a "good listener"?

To become a "good listener", practice active listening techniques, such as maintaining eye contact, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing the speaker's points. Show genuine interest and avoid interrupting.

What can I say instead of describing someone as a "good listener"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "attentive listener", "empathetic listener", or "understanding listener" to describe someone who listens well.