try listening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try listening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone should make an effort to listen to something or someone, often in the context of advice or encouragement. Example: "If you're having trouble understanding the situation, try listening to the other person's perspective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then try listening more carefully".

The New Yorker

"Try listening to his advice".

The New York Times

"Try listening to the Big Bash League.

The Guardian - Sport

Try listening to both before you buy.

The Guardian - Tech

Of course it can: try listening to Scooter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Perhaps try listening to some classical stuff too.

The Guardian

Instead of spending, try listening.

TechCrunch

Try listening.

Vice

Try listening to soul music sans the electric bass.

Huffington Post

Try listening to one of your favorite upbeat albums instead.

Huffington Post

Or try listening to VA psychiatrist Jose Mathews' story.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to consider another's perspective, use "try listening" to encourage empathy and understanding.

Common error

Don't use "try listening" dismissively. Ensure your tone conveys genuine encouragement rather than implying the other person is inherently wrong or obtuse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try listening" functions primarily as an imperative, offering a suggestion or piece of advice. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. The examples show it used in various contexts to encourage understanding, consideration, or simply paying attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try listening" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to suggest someone makes an effort to understand or pay attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it can be a valuable piece of advice, be mindful of your tone to avoid sounding dismissive. Consider alternatives like "consider listening" or "make an effort to listen" depending on the context. The phrase is most common in Wiki and News & Media contexts, indicating a general applicability across various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to listen

Replaces "try" with "attempt", suggesting a more formal or deliberate effort.

make an effort to listen

Emphasizes the effort required to listen attentively.

consider listening

Suggests listening as an option worth considering.

give listening a shot

Offers an informal suggestion to try listening.

focus on listening

Highlights the importance of concentrating on the act of listening.

endeavor to listen

Uses more formal language to encourage listening.

be receptive to listening

Suggests being open and willing to listen.

practice active listening

Emphasizes a specific technique of attentive listening.

take time to listen

Highlights the importance of dedicating time to listen.

hear them out

Short, idiomatic way to suggest letting someone finish speaking.

FAQs

How can I use "try listening" in a sentence?

You can use "try listening" to suggest someone make an effort to understand a different perspective. For example: "If you're having trouble understanding, "try listening" to their side of the story."

What are some alternatives to "try listening"?

Alternatives to "try listening" include "consider listening", "make an effort to listen", or "focus on listening depending" on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to tell someone to "try listening"?

While grammatically correct, telling someone to "try listening" can sometimes come across as condescending. Ensure your tone and context are supportive rather than accusatory. Consider using gentler alternatives like suggesting they "be receptive to listening".

What's the difference between "try listening" and "are you listening"?

"Try listening" is a suggestion to make an effort to listen, while "are you listening" is a direct question asking if someone is currently paying attention. The former encourages future behavior, while the latter assesses the present situation.