They gathered around and listened attentively to the story.

Meaning: This sentence tells us that the friends came together and paid close attention to the story being read.

Choice of Words: Gathered means to come or bring together into one place or group. Around means in a circle or on all sides of. Listened means to pay attention to what someone is saying or to a sound. Attentively means with close attention and care.

Alternative Expressions

Related Expressions

• He listened attentively to the story.
• She listened attentively to the story.
• They listened attentively to each other.
• She listened carefully and attentively.
• Students listened attentively and took notes.
• The teacher explained the lesson clearly, and the students listened attentively.
• The lesson began and he listened attentively.
• She listened attentively and patiently.
• The patient doctor listened attentively to the patient's concerns.
• Patient doctor listened attentively to patient's concerns.