within earshot

USAGE SUMMARY

"within earshot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a distance close enough for someone to hear or be heard. For example, "Sue was within earshot, but she pretended not to hear him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

People within earshot: Yes.

The New York Times - Sports

Apologies to anyone within earshot.

The New York Times - Arts

Everyone within earshot snickered.

The New York Times - Sports

A guard sits within earshot.

The New York Times - Magazine

Passengers within earshot murmur their approval.

The Economist

Everything in the place is within earshot.

The New Yorker

"You're not," everyone within earshot tells her.

The New York Times - Magazine

The officers walked closer, to within earshot.

The Guardian

And no one within earshot had any answers.

The New York Times - Sports

A waiter, standing just within earshot, relaxed visibly.

The New Yorker

Outside, there's a plunge pool within earshot of the waves.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "within earshot" to clearly indicate that someone is close enough to hear what is being said, emphasizing the proximity and audibility. For instance, "The manager made the announcement within earshot of all the employees."

Common error

Avoid using "within earshot" when you mean simply 'nearby' or 'close'. "Within earshot" specifically refers to the ability to hear, not just physical proximity. For example, don't say "The keys were within earshot" if you mean they were merely close by; instead, say "The keys were nearby".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within earshot" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the location or range in which something can be heard. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within earshot" is a common and correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that someone or something is close enough to be heard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a standard expression readily understood in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase serves to specify proximity relative to audibility. When writing, ensure the context involves sound and proximity, and avoid mistaking it for mere physical closeness. Alternatives such as "close enough to hear" or "in hearing range" can be used for variety. By understanding its function and usage, you can effectively incorporate "within earshot" into your writing to convey clear and precise information about hearing distance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close enough to hear

This alternative directly states the ability to hear due to proximity, emphasizing the physical distance.

in hearing range

This phrase focuses on the range of audibility, highlighting that the sound can be detected.

nearby enough to be heard

Similar to "close enough to hear", it stresses the proximity required for sound transmission.

within listening distance

This alternative highlights the distance aspect, implying that someone is able to actively listen.

within earshot's range

This version includes 'earshot's range', specifying a conceptual boundary where hearing is possible.

in audible proximity

This option uses more formal language, referring to audible closeness or nearness.

close by and audible

This phrase breaks down the concept into two parts: physical nearness and the ability to be heard.

where one can hear

This alternative is a more descriptive and less idiomatic way of expressing the same idea.

in ear reach

A less common but understandable way to convey the idea of being close enough to hear.

at a hearing distance

This option is slightly more technical, referring to a measurable distance for hearing.

FAQs

How can I use "within earshot" in a sentence?

Use "within earshot" to indicate that someone is close enough to hear something. For example, "The conversation was held "within earshot" of the supervisor, ensuring they were aware of the discussion."

What are some alternatives to "within earshot"?

Alternatives include "close enough to hear", "in hearing range", or "nearby enough to be heard". Choose the option that best fits the context.

Is it correct to say "in earshot" instead of "within earshot"?

While "in earshot" might be understood, ""within earshot"" is the more common and grammatically preferred phrase to indicate audibility due to proximity.

What does "just within earshot" mean?

"Just within earshot" means someone is barely close enough to hear, at the very edge of audibility. It suggests a marginal proximity in terms of hearing distance.