start listening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start listening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to begin paying attention or to begin hearing something, often in a context where listening is important. Example: "If you want to understand the lecture better, you need to start listening carefully to the professor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They start listening.

The New York Times - Books

Shouldn't it start listening?

The New York Times - Tech

Start listening instead.

Harvard Business Review

This government must start listening.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ministers need to finally start listening".

The Guardian

Start listening to music by Tommy Dorsey.

The New Yorker

You have to start listening to Serial.

The Guardian

Ministers need finally to start listening.

The Guardian

Hopefully, the faithful will start listening.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only then might marketing people start listening.

The Guardian - Opinion

He needs to start listening some more".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start listening" in persuasive writing, immediately follow it with a compelling reason or benefit to encourage the desired action. For example: "Start listening to your customers; they hold the key to improving your product."

Common error

Avoid using "start listening" passively. Listening is an active process; ensure the context implies engagement and understanding, not just the physical act of hearing. Instead of "Just start listening", try "Start listening and actively engage with the speaker's ideas."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start listening" functions as an imperative verb phrase, urging someone to initiate the act of paying attention to auditory information. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across various source types, reinforcing its direct and actionable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

25%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start listening" is a grammatically correct and widely used imperative, as validated by Ludwig. It functions to instruct, advise, or persuade someone to pay attention to auditory information. While generally neutral in register, it is most frequently found in news and media, wiki, and academic contexts. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from a multitude of examples, confirms its accessibility and versatility across diverse communication scenarios. Consider context and audience for the most suitable degree of formality. Therefore, relying on Ludwig's AI is reliable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin listening

This is a direct synonym, replacing "start" with "begin" for a slightly more formal tone.

commence listening

Similar to "begin listening", "commence listening" is a more formal alternative, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

pay attention

This phrase shifts the focus from the act of hearing to the act of actively focusing on the information being presented.

heed the advice

This implies listening with the intention of following or taking notice of what is being said.

lend an ear

A more idiomatic way of saying "listen", often used when asking someone to be attentive.

give attention

Similar to "pay attention", but can also imply providing resources or consideration.

take note

This emphasizes the act of remembering or recording information that is being listened to.

focus on hearing

This alternative suggests concentrating specifically on the auditory input.

start to hear

This alternative implies that one may have not been hearing something clearly before, and they are beginning to.

become attentive

This suggests a change in state, moving from not paying attention to actively listening.

FAQs

How can I use "start listening" effectively in a sentence?

Use "start listening" to encourage someone to pay attention or heed advice. For example, "If you want to improve your relationships, "start listening" to understand, not just to respond."

What's a more formal way to say "start listening"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "begin listening" or "commence listening". These options provide a slightly elevated tone compared to the more direct "start listening".

Is there a difference between "start listening" and "pay attention"?

While both phrases encourage focus, "start listening" refers specifically to auditory input, whereas "pay attention" is broader and can refer to any form of sensory or mental focus.

Can "start listening" be used in all contexts?

While "start listening" is generally acceptable in most contexts, it might be too informal for highly professional or academic settings. In such cases, opt for "begin to listen" or similar alternatives.