willingness to listen

USAGE SUMMARY

'willingness to listen' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the attitude of someone who is open to hearing another person's thoughts and opinion. For example, you could say "I was grateful for her willingness to listen to my advice".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And he's shown a willingness to listen.

The New York Times

He's showed improvement and a willingness to listen.

The New York Times

His knowledge, his willingness to listen to people".

The New York Times

Their stories and willingness to listen and participate was humbling.

The Guardian

So far, the administration has signaled at least some willingness to listen.

The New York Times - Health

His willingness to listen was welcome, now he needs to show the political will to act.

Independent

Each has praised the other for a willingness to listen — up to a point.

The New York Times

The rest of us display a peculiar willingness to listen to it.

Independent

But her room for doing so, and America's willingness to listen, will be limited".

The Guardian

And last week it practiced real diplomacy, winning style points for its willingness to listen.

The New York Times

One thing that struck Anala Planchart immediately was Ponti's willingness to listen to their opinions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing a leader's qualities, use "willingness to listen" to highlight their approachability and inclusivity.

Common error

Avoid using "willingness to listen" excessively in self-descriptions. Show, don't tell – demonstrate your listening skills through actions and specific examples rather than just stating your "willingness to listen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "willingness to listen" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a state of mind or attitude characterized by being open and receptive to hearing and considering the views of others. As evidenced by Ludwig, the expression is both grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "willingness to listen" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that signifies an open and receptive attitude towards hearing and considering others' viewpoints. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its communicative purpose centers around conveying empathy, respect, and a non-judgmental approach, often associated with positive leadership traits. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability across diverse fields. When using this phrase, it's best to demonstrate the attribute through actions rather than mere statements. For semantically related alternatives, consider phrases like "inclination to hear" or "openness to hear". In conclusion, the frequency and applicability of this phrase make it a valuable element in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

openness to hear

Highlights the receptive attitude towards listening.

interest in understanding

Focuses on the curiosity and attention given to another's perspective.

inclination to hear

Replaces "willingness" with "inclination", suggesting a natural tendency to listen.

receptiveness to input

Emphasizes the acceptance of new information and ideas.

desire to comprehend

Highlights the motivation to fully grasp the message being conveyed.

readiness to understand

Shifts the focus from just listening to actively understanding the speaker.

eagerness to consider

Focuses on the enthusiasm to think about different perspectives.

sensitivity to opinions

Highlights the attentiveness to diverse viewpoints.

propensity for dialogue

Suggests a natural inclination towards conversation and exchange of ideas.

acceptance of advice

Implies a readiness to take counsel from others.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate my "willingness to listen" in a professional setting?

Actively demonstrate your "willingness to listen" by maintaining eye contact, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing key points to show you understand. Show "openness to hear" others without interruption and value their input.

What's the difference between "willingness to listen" and "eagerness to consider"?

"Willingness to listen" implies an openness to hearing different viewpoints, whereas "eagerness to consider" suggests a proactive intention to carefully evaluate those viewpoints.

Is it better to say "willingness to listen" or "readiness to understand"?

Both are appropriate, but "willingness to listen" focuses on the act of hearing, while "readiness to understand" emphasizes the intention to comprehend the message.

In what contexts is "willingness to listen" most applicable?

"Willingness to listen" is particularly relevant in contexts requiring collaboration, conflict resolution, or leadership, where understanding diverse perspectives is essential.