the capacity to listen

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "the capacity to listen" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in any situation in which you are emphasizing the importance of being able to listen effectively. For example, “The most important skill a leader can have is the capacity to listen.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Has he the capacity to listen?

The Guardian - Sport

Oral communication is not merely the ability to speak, but also the capacity to listen.

Stanford University

"Psychology requires you appreciate each person's uniqueness and individual style, and music enhances the capacity to listen for that".

The New York Times

The multibillion dollar question is this: do the Pakistani and American states have the capacity to listen?

The Guardian - Opinion

… Today, in the 21st century, we don't have the capacity to listen to classical music in a form that was done before".

The Guardian - Arts

If there is a conclusion to be drawn from the last year, it might be that the capacity to listen is the most persistently undervalued human gift.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It develops the student capacity to listen attentively and willingly to suggestions and to use them creatively and positively.

BMC Medical Education

"I was both impressed and moved by the seriousness, civility, and acuteness of the students, their capacity to listen, and their willingness to seek consensus," Nussbaum said.

University of Chicago

"I was both impressed and moved by the seriousness, civility and acuteness of the students, their capacity to listen, and their willingness to seek consensus," Nussbaum said.

University of Chicago

Trust was built through all parties demonstrating the willingness can capacity to listen and respond to concerns raised.

BMC Health Services Research

In particular, relationships matter [ 26, 27] - and the nature of the relationships and the demonstrated willingness and capacity to listen may be difficult to allocate to intervention sites.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, using "the capacity to listen" can underscore the value of active listening as a key leadership trait.

Common error

Avoid using "the capacity to listen" when you mean simply the ability to hear sounds. "Listening" implies understanding and engagement, not just auditory perception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the capacity to listen" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the ability or potential to understand and engage with auditory information, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

26%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the capacity to listen" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that underscores the significance of active listening. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase, primarily used to highlight the importance of understanding and engaging with information, rather than simply hearing it. While the phrase appears across various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific sources. Remember to use this phrase when you wish to emphasize the active and engaged aspect of listening, rather than simple auditory perception. Also, note that similar expressions such as "the ability to hear" or "the skill of active listening" can also be considered depending on the nuance that you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the skill of active listening

Highlights the active and engaged aspect of listening, implying a conscious effort to understand.

the willingness to understand

Highlights the openness and receptiveness necessary for effective listening.

the ability to hear

Focuses on the physical aspect of receiving sound, rather than the cognitive process of understanding.

the aptitude for comprehension

Focuses on the ability to grasp and interpret the meaning of what is being heard.

the art of understanding

Emphasizes the interpretive and empathetic aspects of listening, suggesting a deeper comprehension.

the faculty of attention

Focuses on the concentration and focus required for careful listening.

the talent for empathy

Shifts the focus to the emotional aspect, highlighting the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

the gift of receptivity

Highlights the quality of being open and responsive to others' ideas and feelings.

the power of discernment

Emphasizes the ability to distinguish and evaluate information while listening.

the practice of mindfulness

Highlights the present-moment awareness that enhances listening skills.

FAQs

How can I improve my "capacity to listen"?

Improving your "capacity to listen" involves practicing active listening, which includes focusing on the speaker, avoiding interruptions, and seeking clarification when needed.

What are the benefits of having "the capacity to listen"?

Having "the capacity to listen" improves relationships, enhances understanding, and promotes effective communication in both personal and professional settings.

Which is more important, speaking or having "the capacity to listen"?

While both speaking and listening are crucial, having "the capacity to listen" is arguably more important because it allows for better understanding, empathy, and more meaningful interactions. It complements and enhances effective speaking.

What's the difference between "the capacity to listen" and "the ability to hear"?

"The capacity to listen" refers to the ability to understand and engage with what is being said, while "the ability to hear" simply refers to the physical ability to perceive sound.