listen carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "listen carefully" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that the listener should pay special attention to what you are saying. For example, "Listen carefully, I only want to explain this once."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Listen carefully now.

The New Yorker

Listen carefully everyone.

The Guardian

Now listen carefully.

The New York Times

People don't listen carefully.

The New Yorker

But listen carefully.

The New York Times

We listen carefully.

The New York Times - Travel

As they talk, listen carefully.

The New York Times

Listen carefully to the advice.

The New York Times

"Ladies, listen carefully," she said.

The New Yorker

You have to listen carefully".

The New York Times - Arts

Listen carefully, please, to that call and listen carefully when the screaming stops.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions or important information, preface it with "listen carefully" to ensure the audience is prepared to receive and retain the message.

Common error

Avoid using "listen carefully" in very informal contexts where a more casual phrase like "hey, listen up" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the setting to choose the most suitable phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "listen carefully" functions as an imperative, urging the listener to pay close attention. As supported by Ludwig, it serves to highlight the importance of the information being conveyed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "listen carefully" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative, designed to emphasize the importance of the message being delivered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it encourages the listener to pay close attention. Predominantly found in news and media, wiki and scientific contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. Remember to use it when you need to ensure your audience is fully engaged and ready to receive crucial information. Consider replacing it with "pay close attention" or "hear attentively" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention

This alternative emphasizes the act of focusing one's attention intently on what is being said.

hear attentively

Focuses on the manner of hearing, suggesting a deliberate effort to understand.

be all ears

This is an idiomatic expression indicating eagerness and readiness to listen attentively.

give your attention

Highlights the act of dedicating one's focus to the speaker or message.

focus intently

Emphasizes the concentration required to fully understand what is being communicated.

lend an ear

Implies offering one's attention to listen to someone, often with empathy or concern.

take heed

Suggests paying attention not just to hear, but also to understand and act accordingly.

mind what I say

This variation conveys a stronger sense of obligation to pay attention and remember the information.

be vigilant in listening

Highlights the need to be alert and watchful while listening.

mark my words

Emphasizes the importance and truthfulness of what is being said, urging the listener to remember it.

FAQs

How can I use "listen carefully" in a sentence?

You can use "listen carefully" to emphasize the importance of what you are about to say, such as: "Listen carefully, this is very important." or "Listen carefully to the instructions before starting the test."

What are some alternatives to "listen carefully"?

Some alternatives include "pay close attention", "hear attentively", or "take heed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "listen carefully"?

While "listen" inherently implies attention, adding "carefully" reinforces the need for focused and thoughtful attention. It's not strictly redundant and can be effective for emphasis.

What's the difference between "listen carefully" and "listen closely"?

"Listen carefully" emphasizes the importance of being attentive and thoughtful while listening. "Listen closely" focuses more on hearing all the details, even subtle ones. Both phrases encourage attentive listening, but with slightly different focuses.