sharp listener

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp listener" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is very attentive and perceptive when listening to others. Example: "During the meeting, Sarah proved to be a sharp listener, picking up on nuances that others missed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He is a sharp listener, in part because of his legal training, in part because he is eternally curious, in part because he likes to save up the funny parts for later.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So please put forward your songs in comments below, and optionally in the Spotify list to that that super-sharp listener, sonofwebcore, who is returning to put on the guru's headphones.

The Guardian - Music

Be a keen listener.

The New York Times

Scratch bands don't come finer than this (sharp-eyed listeners will have spotted principals from the LSO, LPO and Philharmonia), or local festivals more ambitious than Sydenham Music.

Independent

The idea that it was designed by the filter of Ms. Gordon's ears — she is a sharp and judicious listener — helped to make it cohere conceptually without wilting.

The New York Times - Arts

Patten has a passion for public service, the encouraging charm of a good listener, a sharp, humane eye and a clever, particular mind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Supergrass's psychedelia, like the Beatles', grades into the baroque; it is intrinsic, textural, symphonic -- an accumulation of sonic details, bristling beneath unusual melodies, that reward solitary listeners with sharp ears and a good set of headphones.

The New York Times - Arts

So, apart from hearing local AM and FM with pin-sharp digital reception, listeners can also get stock quotes, news headlines, weather forecasts, or movie times on a display fitted in their car's dashboard.

The Economist

Merv, on the contrary, was hailed with a list of "up" adjectives: "bright," "clever," "sharp," "sincere" and "a good listener".

The New York Times

Unlike Winfrey, Campbell had executive experience and technical skills that went far beyond being a sharp questioner and an empathetic listener.

The New Yorker

Vox reporters talk to Rameswaram, who occasionally veers into what I think of as the Krulwich zone exaggerated naïveté for our benefit but generally he's a sharp, curious proxy for the listener.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp listener" when you want to emphasize someone's ability to quickly understand and respond to spoken information. It suggests intelligence and attentiveness.

Common error

While "sharp listener" is appropriate in professional and academic settings, it might sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversations. Consider using "good listener" or "attentive listener" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp listener" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It's used to characterize someone who is highly attentive and perceptive when listening. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to highlight this skill.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp listener" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe someone who is highly attentive and perceptive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used to commend someone's ability to not just hear, but also to understand and respond effectively. While suitable for professional and formal settings, simpler alternatives like "good listener" may be preferable in informal contexts. The phrase's usage patterns reveal a presence in news, business, and science-related articles, which further indicates its applicability in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attentive listener

Replaces "sharp" with a more direct synonym, focusing on attention to detail.

good listener

A more general term for someone who listens well.

careful listener

Highlights the careful attention given while listening.

discerning listener

Focuses on the ability to distinguish important details while listening.

keen observer

Shifts focus from listening to broader observation skills, implying attentiveness.

mindful listener

Focuses on the quality of being present and engaged while listening.

perceptive individual

Highlights the individual's ability to understand and interpret information effectively.

highly responsive listener

Emphasizes the listener's reaction and engagement with the speaker.

astute hearer

Uses a more formal and less common word for "listener", emphasizing intelligence.

insightful receiver

Emphasizes the ability to gain insights from what is heard.

FAQs

How can I use "sharp listener" in a sentence?

You can use "sharp listener" to describe someone who is very attentive and perceptive. For example, "She proved to be a sharp listener, picking up on nuances that others missed."

What are some alternatives to "sharp listener"?

Alternatives include "attentive listener", "keen observer", or "discerning listener". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of listening you want to emphasize.

Is "sharp listener" a formal or informal phrase?

"Sharp listener" leans towards the formal side. While it's perfectly acceptable in professional or academic settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "good listener" in casual conversations.

What does it mean to be a "sharp listener"?

Being a "sharp listener" means that you are not only hearing the words being spoken but also understanding the underlying message, intentions, and emotions. It implies a high level of attentiveness and perceptiveness.