lend an ear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lend an ear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means to listen attentively and consider someone's opinion or advice. For example, "My colleague was having a difficult day, so I decided to lend an ear and offer her some support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She eventually got a role in "Lend an Ear," in which she was a hit.

The New Yorker

And please lend an ear as he tries to undo it.

The New York Times

Did you get served by the Butler, or lend an ear to the Counselor?

The Guardian - Film

But I can lend an ear and affirm there's nothing sick or wrong with them.

The Guardian - Books

A nice man who was always ready to lend an ear".

The Guardian

As O'Brien awaits these decisions, the one coach who could perhaps best relate is willing to lend an ear.

The New York Times - Sports

And don't be afraid to lend an ear to voices that seem monomaniacal or self-marginalizing, offensive or extreme.

The New York Times

31, and all Mac-heads should lend an ear, if they can tear themselves away from their iPhone 4Ss.

The New York Times

The staid conclaves of the City Club and Economic Club lend an ear to the company's founders.

The New York Times

A concert hall is not necessarily the ideal place to lend an ear to the lullaby of Broadway.

The New York Times

If you haven't already, you should lend an ear to her last two albums, "Rules of Travel" and "Black Cadillac".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lend an ear" when you want to emphasize not just hearing, but truly listening with empathy and understanding. It's appropriate when someone needs support or guidance.

Common error

Avoid using "lend an ear" when simply acknowledging someone's presence or stating you can hear them. This idiom implies more than just auditory reception; it suggests active and empathetic listening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lend an ear" functions as an idiomatic expression that encourages attentive listening. Ludwig AI confirms that it implies not just hearing but also understanding and providing support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lend an ear" is a common and useful idiomatic phrase that signifies attentive and empathetic listening. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While suitable across various contexts, it's important to use it when you genuinely intend to provide support and understanding, avoiding mere superficial acknowledgement. Consider using alternatives like "listen attentively" or give someone your attention for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a listening ear

Direct synonym using slightly different phrasing.

listen attentively

Focuses on the manner of listening, emphasizing focus and engagement.

give someone your attention

Highlights the act of dedicating focus to another person.

be all ears

An informal idiom expressing eagerness to listen.

hear someone out

Emphasizes allowing someone to finish speaking before reacting.

pay attention to someone

Stresses the act of noticing and considering someone's words.

offer a sympathetic ear

Emphasizes providing empathy while listening.

be a good listener

Highlights the quality of being receptive and understanding.

take the time to listen

Highlights the act of allocating time for listening.

be attentive

Focuses on the quality of paying close attention.

FAQs

What does "lend an ear" mean?

"Lend an ear" means to listen to someone attentively and with empathy. It suggests offering support through active listening.

How can I use "lend an ear" in a sentence?

You can use "lend an ear" in a sentence like, "She needed someone to "give a listening ear", so I offered to listen to her problems".

What's a more formal way to say "lend an ear"?

While "lend an ear" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives include "listen attentively" or "give someone your attention".

Is it better to "lend an ear" or "offer advice"?

Whether to "lend an ear" or "offer advice" depends on the situation. Sometimes, people simply need someone to listen without judgment. In other cases, they may be looking for specific guidance or insight.