responsive listener

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "responsive listener" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who listens intently and thoughtfully to what someone else is saying. For example, "John was a responsive listener, showing genuine interest in my story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Graceful and lanky, Mr. Chestnut proved himself a responsive listener during Ms. Allen's lightly funky "Our Lady (for Billie Holiday)," which began with an extended piano-and-tap exchange.

The New York Times - Arts

When he was feeling well enough, he talked without pause, and the person he talked to the most, because she was always available, was his housekeeper Céleste Albaret, an intelligent and responsive listener.

The Guardian - Books

2. Be a deeply responsive listener who demonstrates you heard what they said, and does not immediately revert the conversation back to yourself.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Aside from their melancholy human expressions, seals are musical, "said to be responsive listeners", especially if the songs are in Gaelic.

The Guardian - Books

Video-observation screening indicated that males seemed to be more attentive and more responsive listeners than females.

BMC Medical Education

These persons are respected and trusted, and have a reputation for being good listeners, responsive to the needs of others, and in control of their own life circumstances [ 41, 42].

Human Resources for Health

At a time when pop listeners seem especially responsive to genre-defying singers like Merrill Garbus of Tune-Yards, Antony Heggarty and Björk, it should expose Mr. Bleckmann's mercurial, hard-to-label art to a much wider audience.

The New York Times - Arts

If you sense that the listener is not that responsive to the initial mention of your employment situation, back off and move on.

Huffington Post

Mindfulness also teaches us to be better listeners by creating dialogues that are responsive rather than reactive.

Forbes

Specifically, RSs were taught to be: alert, clear spoken, and good listeners; positive and assertive, but not aggressive; responsive to the woman's reasons for reluctance; respectful and culturally sensitive; confident, sincere, and spontaneous in their introduction; and credible, by knowing the objectives of Project DC-HOPE and the activities required for participation.

BMC Public Health

But in those passages where Schoenberg wanted to clobber listeners with volleys of dizzying, ecstatic sound, Mr. Levine, his responsive musicians and the superb Met choristers delivered the intended knockout.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "responsive listener" to describe someone who not only hears but also demonstrates understanding and engagement through their reactions and feedback. It suggests a dynamic and interactive listening style.

Common error

Avoid using "responsive listener" to imply mere agreement or compliance. The term should convey active engagement and thoughtful consideration, not just passive acceptance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "responsive listener" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "responsive" modifies the noun "listener". Ludwig AI indicates that it correctly describes someone who listens attentively and thoughtfully, reacting appropriately.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "responsive listener" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though considered rare in frequency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for describing individuals who listen attentively and thoughtfully. Primarily found in news and media and scientific contexts, it denotes active engagement and demonstrated understanding beyond mere hearing. Remember to use the phrase to convey genuine interest and engagement, not just agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attentive listener

Focuses more on the listener's attentiveness.

empathetic listener

Emphasizes the listener's capacity to understand and share the speaker's feelings.

active listener

Highlights the listener's engagement through feedback and questions.

sensitive listener

Focuses on the listener's awareness of subtle emotional cues.

understanding listener

Highlights the listener's ability to grasp the speaker's perspective.

receptive listener

Emphasizes the listener's openness to new ideas and perspectives.

good listener

A more general term for someone who listens well.

engaged listener

Stresses the listener's level of involvement in the conversation.

considerate listener

Emphasizes the listener's thoughtfulness and respect for the speaker.

thoughtful listener

Focuses on the listener's ability to process and reflect on what is being said.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is a "responsive listener"?

You could say they are "attentive", "empathetic", or "engaged", depending on which aspect of their listening you want to highlight.

What qualities make someone a "responsive listener"?

A "responsive listener" typically demonstrates attentiveness, provides feedback, asks clarifying questions, and shows an understanding of the speaker's perspective. They are actively involved in the conversation.

Is "responsive listener" formal or informal?

The phrase "responsive listener" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall writing style and audience.

What is the difference between a "good listener" and a "responsive listener"?

While a "good listener" simply implies attentiveness, a "responsive listener" suggests a more active role, involving engagement, feedback, and demonstrated understanding. Responsiveness adds a layer of interaction beyond just hearing.