Students listened very carefully.

Meaning: This sentence means that the students were paying close attention to what was being said or done.

Choice of Words: Listened means paying attention to something. Very means to a high degree or extent. Carefully means paying attention to details.

Alternative Expressions

The students were all ears.

Meaning: This means that the students were paying very close attention. They were so focused that it was as if they were all ears.

Choice of Words: Students refers to the group of people who are learning. Were is a verb that indicates a state of being. All means the entire group. Ears are the organs used for hearing. This phrase uses a metaphor to describe how the students were paying close attention.

The students hung on every word.

Meaning: This means that the students were paying very close attention. They were so focused that it was as if they were hanging on to every word that was being said.

Choice of Words: Students refers to the group of people who are learning. Hung means to attach or suspend something from something else. On means in contact with or supported by something. Every means each one of a group. Word refers to a single unit of speech. This phrase uses a metaphor to describe how the students were paying close attention.

Related Expressions