"In listening" vs "On listening"

Question

"In listening" vs "On listening"

Both 'in listening' and 'on listening' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In listening' is used to emphasize the act of listening itself, while 'on listening' is used to refer to the state of listening or the focus on listening.

Last Updated: April 06, 2024

Use 'in listening' when you want to emphasize the action of listening, such as 'I find peace in listening to music.'

Examples:

I find joy in listening to the sound of the waves.
She excels in listening to others' problems.
He finds solace in listening to the wind in the trees.
There is beauty in listening to the birds chirping.
She discovers new ideas in listening to podcasts.

Alternatives:

while listening
when listening
through listening
by listening
through the act of listening

Use 'on listening' when you want to refer to the state of listening or the focus on listening, such as 'She is very focused on listening to the lecture.'

Examples:

He is working on listening skills.
She is concentrating on listening to the music.
They are focused on listening to the instructions.
The students are tested on listening comprehension.
She is reflecting on listening to the feedback.

Alternatives:

while listening
when listening
during listening
in the act of listening
by listening

Answer 1

In listening

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize the act of listening itself.

Answer 2

On listening

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the state of listening or the focus on listening.