intense listener

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense listener" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who listens very attentively and with great focus, often in contexts related to communication or interpersonal skills. Example: "As a therapist, being an intense listener is crucial for understanding my clients' needs and emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

From the start of her professional life, she was regarded as an intense listener and stickler for accountability.

The New York Times

Debate is a hallmark of the meetings; at least a dozen of his employees pointed out, unprompted, what an "intense listener" Zuckerberg is.

The New Yorker

She is an almost unnervingly intense listener, who sometimes produces a pocket notebook while talking to illustrate her thoughts with charts and diagrams and seems to like talking about evolution and optics more than she does about art.

The New York Times - Magazine

Courtly, handsome, an intense listener as well as an eager talker, Cummings welcomed the visits of his fellow poets -- T. S. Eliot, Dylan Thomas and Ezra Pound all made a pilgrimage to Patchin Place -- but he was diffident towards the young fans who knocked on his door.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Or, a hall with a few hundred very intense listeners and 1,000 empty seats?

The Guardian - Music

Even more intense, to the listener, is a message that the child herself has crafted, then put together as a radio spot on her own.

Unicef

The former work is a masterclass in musical monolithics and the latter an object lesson in dazzling the listener with intense textural variety.

The Guardian - Music

He said that the demand from listeners was intense.

The New York Times

He says that country music, because of the intense loyalty of its listeners, is a bit like hip-hop — "for a whole different ethnicity".

The New Yorker

Later they "evolved from their early death metal-inspired rumblings into a crushing, staccato-driven, heavily percussive metallic behemoth that pummels listeners with intense riffage and a decidedly personal, though nevertheless, often evangelical lyrical viewpoint".

Wikipedia

But for Collette, the story is doubly poignant because in her latest film, The Night Listener - an intense psychological thriller starring Robin Williams - she plays a character called Donna who would relate better than most to her 'appendicitis'appendicitis

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as an "intense listener", provide specific examples of their listening behavior, such as maintaining eye contact, asking clarifying questions, or summarizing key points.

Common error

Avoid using "intense listener" to imply that someone is overly focused or makes others uncomfortable. The intensity should be perceived as positive engagement, not as intrusive or unnerving behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense listener" functions as a descriptive term, where 'intense' modifies 'listener' to emphasize the degree of focus and engagement the person exhibits while listening. As Ludwig AI describes, this phrase is used to describe someone who listens very attentively and with great focus.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense listener" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone who listens with great focus and attentiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. While its frequency is rare, it is primarily found in news and media contexts. The phrase emphasizes a positive trait, highlighting a person's ability to deeply engage in communication. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the intensity is perceived as positive engagement rather than overbearing behavior. Alternative phrases like "attentive listener" or "deep listener" can also be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attentive listener

Focuses on the listener's ability to pay close attention.

deep listener

Emphasizes the profound understanding and engagement of the listener.

focused listener

Highlights the listener's concentration and undivided attention.

keen listener

Stresses the listener's enthusiasm and sharp perception.

active listener

Indicates that the listener is engaged and responsive.

careful listener

Focuses on the listener's thoroughness and attention to detail.

observant listener

Highlights the listener's ability to notice and understand non-verbal cues.

thoughtful listener

Emphasizes the listener's reflection and consideration of what is being said.

empathetic listener

Stresses the listener's ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

astute listener

Highlights the listener's cleverness and perceptiveness.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the phrase "intense listener" in a sentence?

Use "intense listener" to describe someone who actively and deeply engages in listening, demonstrating a high level of focus and attentiveness. For example: "She is known for being an "intense listener", always fully present in conversations".

What are some alternative ways to describe someone who listens attentively?

You can use alternatives like "attentive listener", "deep listener", or "focused listener" to describe someone who listens carefully.

In what contexts is it appropriate to describe someone as an "intense listener"?

It's fitting in scenarios where active listening is crucial, such as therapy, negotiations, or leadership roles. It highlights the person's commitment to fully understanding the speaker.

Is there a risk of using "intense listener" in a negative way?

Yes, if it implies that the person's listening is invasive or makes others uncomfortable. Ensure the context emphasizes the positive aspects of their focused attention, not an overbearing presence. A more nuanced option can be "careful listener".