supportive ear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supportive ear" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to someone who is willing to listen and provide moral and emotional support. For example, "My friend has always been a supportive ear when I need to talk about how I'm feeling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And they're basically finding a supportive ear in President Trump in the United States.

The New York Times

Johnson has set up a network of trained mental health first aiders who offer a supportive ear to colleagues and says this training is a crucial step in tackling the issue.

The Guardian

Students remember the Rev. John F. Johnston as a precise, almost severe teacher who introduced them to Flannery O'Connor and Kurt Vonnegut, lent a supportive ear and talked about owning guns.

The New York Times

In a context where charging is usually still done on the basis of time spent rather than results achieved, time spent lending a supportive ear and corresponding with the other side soon mounts up in billable costs.

The Guardian

A mentor is someone who offers a friendly and supportive ear, offering wisdom, time and advice to help you navigate career challenges and choices.

HuffPost

I find this gives the other person room to vent, and helps them to answer their own questions, with a supportive ear to speak to.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

With rare exception, efforts to introduce significant reform in road pricing, aimed at raising sufficient revenue to ensure that road investment and ongoing maintenance is secured, without an additional impost to users above current outlays, while at the same time reducing traffic congestion, has fallen largely on politically non-supportive ears.

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice

You have to spend hours with the music". While his dad, "an old hippie," has been fairly supportive of Dennis' ear-splitting hobby, his schoolmates have been less open.

Los Angeles Times

From the Great Creator to the supportive dad lending an ear, fathers are depicted doling out love and punishment in equal measure in the slideshow below.

Huffington Post

Originally from India, Thakur chose to do his master's in acoustics and music technology at Edinburgh because of the course's good reputation, and says that the university has been supportive of Two Big Ears from the start.

The Guardian

A friendly ear or a supportive shoulder can do wonders to ease homesickness.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supportive ear" when you want to emphasize the listening aspect of being supportive.

Common error

Avoid using "supportive ear" when the support provided is primarily practical or tangible, as the phrase specifically denotes emotional and empathetic listening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supportive ear" functions as a noun phrase, where "supportive" modifies the noun "ear". It describes someone who provides emotional support by listening attentively. Ludwig provides several examples confirming this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "supportive ear" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe someone who provides emotional support through active listening. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While not extremely frequent, it appears in various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki and Formal & Business settings, suggesting a neutral register. When you want to emphasize the listening aspect of being supportive this is a good option. Related phrases include "listening ear" and "empathetic listener". Ensure it aligns with an emotional or empathetic scope of support, rather than a practical one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

listening ear

Focuses more on the act of listening rather than the support provided.

caring listener

Emphasizes the concern and care the person provides while listening.

receptive listener

Indicates openness and willingness to hear and understand.

empathetic listener

Emphasizes understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

attentive friend

Highlights the focus and attention given to the speaker.

compassionate confidant

Highlights the trust and understanding in the relationship.

shoulder to cry on

A more idiomatic expression suggesting comfort during distress.

understanding friend

Simple and direct, focusing on the friendly aspect.

reliable confidante

Stresses the dependability and trustworthiness of the person.

sympathetic advisor

Combines emotional support with practical advice.

FAQs

How can I use "supportive ear" in a sentence?

You can use "supportive ear" to describe someone who listens and provides emotional support, like: "My friend has always been a "supportive ear" when I need to talk about my problems."

What's a good alternative to "supportive ear"?

Alternatives include "listening ear", which focuses on the act of listening, or "empathetic listener", which emphasizes understanding another's feelings.

Is it appropriate to use "supportive ear" in formal writing?

Yes, "supportive ear" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing interpersonal relationships or emotional support in professional or academic settings.

What is the difference between "supportive ear" and "shoulder to cry on"?

"Supportive ear" emphasizes listening and understanding, while "shoulder to cry on" is more about providing comfort during distress. They both offer support, but in slightly different ways.