should listen to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should listen to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that someone ought to pay attention to or heed advice or information from a specific source. Example: "Students should listen to their teachers to gain a better understanding of the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We should listen to them.

Independent

I should listen to her more.

The New York Times

Osborne should listen to the IMF.

Independent

You should listen to third parties".

The New York Times

Perhaps we should listen to him.

Independent

Maybe you should listen to me?

The New York Times

Those executives should listen to her pleas.

The New York Times

He should listen to himself.

The New York Times

We should listen to him".

The New Yorker

We should listen to Kinnock.

The Guardian

Maybe we should listen to it.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should listen to" when you want to politely suggest that someone consider advice or information. It implies a recommendation rather than a command.

Common error

Avoid using "should listen to" when a direct command is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "You should listen to me now," consider "Listen to me now" if the situation requires immediate obedience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should listen to" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advice, suggestion, or recommendation. Ludwig AI validates its use in numerous contexts, suggesting its grammatical correctness. It indicates that someone would benefit from heeding the advice or information provided by another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should listen to" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey advice or suggestions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's very common across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the specific context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. When more direct command is needed, alternative expressions may be more effective. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay attention to

A more direct and common way to express the need to listen.

ought to heed

Replaces "should" with a more formal and prescriptive modal verb.

heed the advice of

Focuses specifically on following advice.

need to consider

Shifts the focus to the act of considering, implying thoughtful evaluation.

must take into account

Emphasizes the necessity of considering something, often in a formal setting.

would be wise to hear

Suggests prudence and potential benefit from listening.

it's advisable to consider

Introduces a recommendation, making it less direct.

take note of

Highlights the importance of paying attention.

take counsel from

Suggests seeking guidance and wisdom.

give credence to

Implies assigning value or importance to what is being said.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "should listen to"?

Use "should listen to" when you want to suggest that someone consider advice or information, implying a recommendation rather than a direct command. It's suitable for polite suggestions and persuasive arguments.

What are some alternatives to "should listen to"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to heed", "need to consider", or "pay attention to" depending on the context.

Is "should listen to" a formal or informal expression?

"Should listen to" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "ought to heed" might be more appropriate for very formal settings.

How does "should listen to" differ from "must listen to"?

"Should listen to" suggests a recommendation or advice, whereas "must listen to" implies a direct command or obligation. The choice depends on the desired level of authority and the nature of the relationship.