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to listen to? vs to listen?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'To listen to' is used when referring to actively paying attention to something, while 'to listen' is used when the action of listening is implied or understood. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1082 views

to listen to?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to actively paying attention to something.

This phrase is used when you want to specify the act of actively paying attention to a particular sound or piece of information. It is followed by the object of what is being listened to.

Examples:

  • I like to listen to music while I work.
  • She asked him to listen to her explanation carefully.
  • He always listens to the news on the radio in the morning.
  • to pay attention to someone or something in order to hear what is being said, sung, played, etc. —used to tell a person to listen to what you are saying. : to hear  ...
  • n. An act of listening: Would you like to give the CD a listen before buying it? Phrasal Verb: listen in. 1. To listen to a conversation between others; eavesdrop. 2.
  • I would like them to listen to my proposal. J'aimerais qu'ils écoutent ma proposition. * J'ai essayé de leur expliquer, mais ils n'ont rien voulu entendre ! listen to ...
  • to listen to something/somebody escuchar algo/a alguien; to listen for something estar pendiente or a la escucha de algo; to listen to reason atender a razones ...

Alternatives:

  • to pay attention to
  • to hear
  • to tune in to
  • to be attentive to
  • to give ear to

to listen?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when the action of listening is implied or understood.

This phrase is used when the context already implies the act of listening, so there is no need to specify what is being listened to.

Examples:

  • I can't talk right now, I'm listening.
  • She stopped to listen before continuing her story.
  • Listen, I have something important to tell you.
  • to pay attention to someone or something in order to hear what is being said, sung, played, etc. —used to tell a person to listen to what you are saying. : to hear  ...
  • to listen for sounds of their return. 4. Informal. to convey a particular impression to the hearer; sound: The new recording doesn't listen as well as the old one.
  • To pay attention; heed: "She encouraged me to listen carefully to what country people called mother wit" (Maya Angelou). n. An act of listening: Would you like to ...
  • He reined Wrangle to a walk, halted now and then to listen, and then proceeded cautiously with shifting and alert gaze. (intransitive) To accept advice or obey ...

Alternatives:

  • to pay attention
  • to hear
  • to tune in
  • to be attentive
  • to give ear

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