is all ears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is all ears" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is fully listening and attentive to what another person is saying. Example: "When it comes to your ideas for the project, I am all ears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Strauss is all ears.

University of Chicago

If Mr Krugman knows of any such relationship, I'm sure Mr Brooks is all ears.

The Economist

Taking in the world from the depths of his leather armchair, Paul is all ears.

The New York Times

Mr Bumble the Beadle is all ears nowadays ("you want more? Why didn't you say so before, young man?").

The Guardian

She wears tiny glasses on a loose string, and when she sits down to talk, she says that she is all ears.

The New York Times

On the cable show's pilot episode, rebroadcast last week, Sara is all ears, as a ghostly companion urges her to "open the doors of perception" and to realize that "there is a lot more going on around you than you know".

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We are all-ears.

HuffPost

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

WikiHow

I'm all ears.

The New York Times

We're all ears.

The New York Times

Michael Mancienne was all ears.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is all ears" to create an approachable and friendly tone when you want to assure someone you are fully attentive and interested in what they have to say.

Common error

Avoid using "is all ears" in formal or highly professional settings where a more direct and less idiomatic expression of attentiveness might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "The board is all ears", use "The board is attentive to your presentation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is all ears" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that someone is ready and willing to listen attentively. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Examples show its usage to express interest and attentiveness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is all ears" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to convey attentiveness and willingness to listen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts but can also appear in academic or informal settings. While versatile, it may not be suitable for highly formal or scientific discourse. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "I'm listening intently" or "I'm ready to listen". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and desired tone to effectively communicate your attentiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm listening intently

Emphasizes the act of listening with focus and purpose.

I'm giving you my undivided attention

Highlights the complete focus being given to the speaker.

I'm ready to listen

Indicates a state of preparedness and willingness to hear what's being said.

I'm paying close attention

Highlights the act of focusing one's attention to the speaker.

I'm hanging on your every word

Suggests captivated interest and attentiveness.

I'm eager to hear what you have to say

Expresses enthusiasm and anticipation to listen.

I'm attentive

A more formal way of saying that one is listening carefully.

I'm here to listen

Simple affirmation that you are there to listen.

Tell me everything

An informal way to encourage someone to share all the details.

I want to hear all about it

Expresses curiosity and a desire to hear the whole story.

FAQs

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

You can use "is all ears" to indicate that you are ready and willing to listen attentively to someone. For example, "Tell me about your day, I'm all ears."

What's a more formal way to say "is all ears"?

In more formal contexts, you could say "I am listening attentively" or "I am giving you my undivided attention" instead of the idiom /s/is+all+ears.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "is all ears"?

It's best to avoid using "is all ears" in very formal or professional settings where a more direct expression of attentiveness might be preferred.

Are there any common misinterpretations of "is all ears"?

The phrase "is all ears" is generally well-understood, but some might misinterpret it as a literal statement about ear size or appearance if they are unfamiliar with the idiom.