listen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "listen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to draw someone's attention to what you are about to say or emphasize the importance of the information being shared. Example: "Listen, I need you to pay attention to this important announcement regarding the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You always have to listen to the viewers or listeners.

The Guardian - Opinion

Listen to it here.

The New York Times

Listen to others people's suggestions and add yours to a collaborative Spotify playlist.

The Guardian - Music

Chope asked Cameron in the first question at prime minister's questions: "Can [he] say in response to the many concerns expressed in yesterday's debate will he ensure that civil partnerships are open to heterosexual couples on an equal basis with homosexual couples?" The prime minister replied: "I will obviously listen carefully to what he says.

The Guardian

After the final dinner, we gathered around a campfire to listen to drumming and singing by professional Berber musicians.

The Guardian - Travel

Redactions marked in the text were made by the US government when Mohamedou Ould Slahi's diary was cleared for public release Listen to live and recorded readings by Brian Eno, Colin Firth and others, as well as a panel discussion with Slahi's lawyer and brother about this remarkable account of imprisonment.

The Guardian

Always a crowded but friendly dive, owner Jack Prince bought the joint next door several years ago and knocked out a wall, so that now you can even sit down, enjoy the dusty PBR ads on the wall or, even better, listen to live music.

The Guardian - Travel

"If you listen to [Blatter's] speech yesterday, you will know what he said is he can't monitor everybody," Pinnick told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The Guardian - Sport

"We ask that people continue to do what they did in cyclone Lam, which is listen to authorities, monitor your radios and look out for your friends and your communities.

The Guardian

Thousands gathered by the Capitol reflection pool in Washington on Saturday to march, chant, and listen to speakers and performers as part of Stop Watching Us, a gathering to protest "mass surveillance" under NSA programs first disclosed by the whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

Listen carefully on stormy nights and babies can be heard crying on the wind that blows around the Reculver towers.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, use "listen" to ensure the audience understands the importance of what you are saying.

Common error

Avoid using "hear" when you mean "listen". "Hear" simply means perceiving sound, while "listen" implies intentional attention.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "listen" is as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of paying attention to sound. Ludwig shows it's often used to give commands or instructions, like "Listen carefully".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Music

10%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "listen" is a versatile verb that implies paying attention to sound or advice. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in written English. Its primary function is to encourage focused attention or seek adherence to advice, as seen across news, music, and travel contexts. To ensure clear communication, remember to distinguish "listen" from "hear", and choose related phrases like "pay attention" or "take heed" to add nuance. Whether you're instructing, advising, or simply enjoying music, "listen" is a powerful tool for engaging with the world around you.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay attention

Focuses on the act of directing one's mind to something.

give attention

Similar to pay attention, but can also imply providing care or assistance.

take heed

Emphasizes the importance of acting on the advice given.

lend an ear

Suggests offering support and understanding through listening.

be attentive

Highlights the quality of being fully present and engaged in listening.

heed my words

Stresses the significance and value of the speaker's message.

hear me out

Asks for a complete opportunity to express oneself without interruption.

give ear

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying listen.

mind

Implies obeying or following instructions.

consider

Implies thinking carefully about what has been said, not just hearing it.

FAQs

How do I use "listen" in a sentence?

You can use "listen" to instruct someone to pay attention, as in, "listen carefully to the instructions", or to describe the act of paying attention to sound, such as, "I like to "listen to music"".

What can I say instead of "listen" to grab someone's attention?

To grab someone's attention, you can use alternatives like "pay attention", "take note", or "hear me out".

What's the difference between "listen" and "hear"?

"Hear" refers to the passive act of perceiving sound, while "listen" means actively paying attention to a sound. You can "hear" background noise, but you "listen" to a speaker or a song.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "give ear" instead of "listen"?

"Give ear" is a more formal and somewhat archaic way to say "listen". It's appropriate in formal speeches or writing where you want to create a sense of gravitas.