listen very

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "listen very" is not correct as it is incomplete and lacks context.
It can be used in a sentence where you want to emphasize the act of listening attentively, but it needs to be followed by an appropriate complement. Example: "Listen very carefully to what I am about to say."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No! Listen very carefully.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And you listen very hard.

The New Yorker

And listen, listen, listen very carefully.

The New York Times

So we listen very, very hard".

The New York Times

And I listen very carefully to those answers.

The New York Times

"I listen very carefully to what they have to say".

The New York Times

They need to listen very careful and try to understand.

The Guardian

Perhaps for this reason, I did not listen very attentively.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Before Trevor left, Jeb hadn't liked to listen very closely.

The New Yorker

"If you listen very carefully, you can hear the ocean," McVinish says.

The New York Times

If you listen very carefully you might just hear sleigh bells.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the importance of listening, follow "listen very" with an adverb like "carefully", "closely", or "attentively" to complete the phrase and make it grammatically correct.

Common error

Avoid using "listen very" without an adverb or further context. It's grammatically incomplete and can sound awkward. Always clarify how one should listen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "listen very" functions as an incomplete imperative, typically requiring an adverb to modify the verb "listen". As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is incomplete and needs to be complemented to be grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "listen very" appears in various sources, it is considered grammatically incomplete without a modifying adverb like "carefully" or "attentively". As noted by Ludwig AI, it's essential to complete the phrase to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity. Usage is relatively rare, primarily found in news and media and wiki contexts. To ensure clarity and correctness, it's best to use alternatives such as "listen carefully" or "pay close attention" in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention

This alternative uses different words to convey the same emphasis on attentiveness.

listen attentively

This alternative replaces "very" with the adverb "attentively" to emphasize the manner of listening.

listen carefully

This alternative replaces "very" with the adverb "carefully" to stress the importance of precision in listening.

lend an ear

This is an idiomatic expression meaning to listen attentively or give consideration.

give your full attention

This phrase stresses the complete focus required while listening.

be all ears

This is an idiomatic way of saying you are ready and eager to listen.

take heed

This implies listening with the intention of acting on what is heard.

mark my words

This expression is used to urge someone to listen carefully and remember what is being said.

prick up your ears

An idiomatic expression for listening sharply, as if startled.

weigh carefully

Implies considering thoughtfully the implications of what is being heard

FAQs

How can I use "listen very" correctly in a sentence?

The phrase "listen very" is incomplete. To use it correctly, add an adverb such as "carefully" or "attentively", as in "listen very carefully" or "listen very attentively".

What are some alternatives to "listen very"?

Alternatives include "pay close attention", "listen attentively", or "listen carefully". These options provide a more grammatically complete and standard way to express the idea.

Is it grammatically correct to say "listen very"?

No, "listen very" is not grammatically correct on its own. It requires an adverb to specify how one should listen. Phrases like "listen very closely" or listen very carefully are grammatically sound.

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

"Listen carefully" is a complete and grammatically correct phrase. Adding "very" intensifies the degree of carefulness, but it's often unnecessary. "Listen carefully" is generally sufficient, but "listen very carefully" emphasizes greater attention.