listen actively

USAGE SUMMARY

"listen actively" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone should listen carefully and attentively. For example, you might say: "When a colleague is speaking, be sure to listen actively and take notes if necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

If you want to earn the respect of people you talk to, learn to listen actively and cultivate a reputation as a good listener.

WikiHow

According to the Times, these include the ability to "solve problems and make decisions," "resolve conflict and negotiate," "coöperate with others," and "listen actively".

The New Yorker

The person who wants to listen actively will get more out of the music than the person who just sits there waiting to be inspired".

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe this piece is about putting people in a situation where there's something very concrete they're listening for -- their own voice -- so they have a reason to listen actively again".

The New York Times - Arts

Unaddressed in that calculus is any question of what else an education might be for: to nurture critical thought; to expose individuals to the signal accomplishments of humankind; to develop in them an ability not just to listen actively but to respond intelligently.

The New Yorker

In one 2008 survey of more than 2,000 businesses in Washington State, employers said entry-level workers appeared to be most deficient in being able to "solve problems and make decisions," "resolve conflict and negotiate," "cooperate with others" and "listen actively".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Simultaneously, listening actively offers valuable benefits, like continuous and sincere micro-feedback.

The Guardian

That is, were you listening, actively, to the questions and answering them in the best possible way.

The Guardian

I have listened actively to her, and learned about her perspective on many issues.

Science Magazine

Centineo laughs frequently, listens actively, and clicks his teeth when he's thinking.

Vice

After you've listened actively, if the Board or Executive team has raised good points, acknowledge them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Paraphrasing or summarizing the speaker's points can demonstrate that you "listen actively" and understand their message.

Common error

Don't just hear the words; engage with the speaker's message. "Listening actively" involves understanding the content, asking clarifying questions, and providing thoughtful feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "listen actively" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes the manner in which someone listens, emphasizing attentiveness and engagement. As Ludwig AI says, it highlights listening carefully and attentively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "listen actively" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe engaged and attentive listening. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is about emphasizing the importance of careful listening. Predominantly found in news, science, and wiki sources, it encourages a more thoughtful and responsive approach to communication. To "listen actively", focus on understanding, engaging, and providing feedback rather than passively hearing the words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show active listening

Highlights the demonstration of listening through verbal and non-verbal cues.

be an attentive listener

Highlights the quality of being a careful and engaged listener.

engage attentively

Focuses on the engagement aspect of listening, highlighting a proactive involvement in the communication process.

lend a listening ear

Emphasizes providing support and empathy through listening.

pay close attention

Highlights the aspect of focusing intently on what is being said.

listen with intention

Focuses on listening with a specific goal or purpose in mind.

be all ears

An idiom indicating eagerness and readiness to listen.

concentrate on hearing

Stresses the mental effort involved in processing auditory information.

hear with focus

Emphasizes the focused reception of auditory information.

focus on the speaker

Highlights concentrating on the person who is speaking.

FAQs

How to use "listen actively" in a sentence?

You can use "listen actively" to describe the way someone pays attention during a conversation, for example: "To improve communication skills, it's essential to "listen actively" and engage with the speaker."

What are the key components of "listening actively"?

"Listening actively" involves several components: paying close attention, showing that you are "paying attention" through body language, providing feedback, deferring judgment, and responding appropriately.

Is it better to "listen actively" or passively?

"Listening actively" is generally more effective than listening passively because it shows engagement and helps ensure a better understanding of the speaker's message. Passive listening might result in "misunderstanding" or missed information.

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

"Hearing" is simply the process of perceiving sound, whereas "listening actively" involves focusing on, understanding, and responding to the sounds and words being communicated. You can "hear" without really listening.