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A1 noun #38 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

ears

Top 38

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces ears en 30 secondes

Explication ears in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'ears' is one of the first body parts you learn. It is a simple noun used to describe yourself and others. You use it in basic sentences like 'I have two ears' or 'My ears are big.' It is also introduced in the context of basic health, such as 'My ears hurt.' At this stage, you focus on the plural form and the physical location on the head. You might also see it in simple stories about animals, like 'The rabbit has long ears.' The goal is to recognize the word and use it in short, present-tense sentences to describe physical appearance or basic sensations. You don't need to worry about metaphors or agricultural meanings yet; just focus on the organs you use to hear music and voices.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'ears' in more descriptive ways and in slightly more complex sentence structures. You might use adjectives to describe them, such as 'pointed ears,' 'floppy ears,' or 'small ears.' You also start to learn common verbs that go with ears, like 'to listen with your ears' or 'to cover your ears.' You might encounter the word in the context of shopping or food, specifically 'ears of corn' at a market. You are also introduced to the idea that ears are used for balance, not just hearing. Your sentences might look like: 'The music was so loud that I had to cover my ears.' You are building a foundation for using the word in everyday situations, like describing a pet or talking about a noisy environment.

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At the B1 level, you start to encounter 'ears' in idiomatic expressions and more abstract contexts. You learn phrases like 'to be all ears,' which means you are listening very carefully. You also begin to understand the singular use of 'ear' in phrases like 'to have an ear for music,' which describes a talent. You can use the word to describe more detailed physical sensations, such as 'my ears popped on the airplane' or 'a ringing in my ears.' You are expected to use the word in different tenses and in more complex stories. For example: 'When she told me the news, I was all ears.' You also understand the word in professional contexts, like a doctor's visit or a discussion about sound quality in a video.

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At the B2 level, you use 'ears' with greater precision and variety. You are comfortable with a wider range of idioms, such as 'wet behind the ears' (inexperienced) or 'to have someone's ear' (to have their influence). You can discuss the word in technical or semi-technical contexts, such as the anatomy of the ear or how hearing aids work. You understand the nuances of the word in literature, where 'ears' might symbolize surveillance or the reception of information. Your vocabulary includes related words like 'earlobe,' 'eardrum,' and 'earphones.' You can write and speak about topics like 'The impact of loud noise on our ears' using supporting details and clear arguments. You also recognize the agricultural term 'ears of corn' as a standard collective noun.

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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'ears' and its many metaphorical uses. You can use it in formal writing and complex debates. You might discuss the 'ears of the state' in a political science context or the 'ears of the heart' in a poetic or philosophical discussion. You are aware of the etymology of the word and how it relates to other Germanic languages. You can distinguish between subtle synonyms like 'auditory' and 'acoustic.' You use idioms naturally and can even play with them for effect. For example: 'The CEO has the ear of the board, but he isn't listening to the employees.' You are also familiar with the word's use in specialized fields like botany or engineering without needing a dictionary. Your use of the word is fluid, accurate, and contextually appropriate.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'ears' is near-native. You can appreciate and use the word in its most obscure or archaic forms. You might encounter it in classic literature (e.g., Shakespeare's 'Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears') and understand the rhetorical weight it carries. You can discuss the fine details of auditory perception, psychoacoustics, or the history of agricultural terminology. You are sensitive to the register of the word, knowing exactly when to use 'ears' versus a more technical term like 'auricles.' You can use the word in puns, double entendres, and complex metaphors with ease. Your mastery allows you to use 'ears' as a tool for nuanced expression, whether you are writing a scientific paper, a poem, or a high-level business strategy.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

ears en 30 secondes

Ears are the physical organs on the head used for hearing sounds and maintaining balance in humans and animals.
The word also describes the seed-bearing part of cereal plants like corn, wheat, and barley, often called an 'ear of corn'.
It is used in many common English idioms, such as 'all ears' for listening or 'wet behind the ears' for being inexperienced.
Grammatically, it is a plural count noun, but the singular 'ear' is used for specific talents like 'an ear for music'.

The word ears primarily refers to the complex biological organs used by humans and other vertebrates to detect sound and maintain equilibrium. In a physiological sense, the ears are marvels of evolutionary engineering, consisting of the outer ear (pinna and canal), the middle ear (eardrum and ossicles), and the inner ear (cochlea and vestibular system). People use this term most frequently in daily conversation to describe the act of listening or the physical appearance of these features on the head. Beyond biology, ears has a significant secondary meaning in agriculture, specifically referring to the fruiting spike of a cereal plant, such as corn or wheat, which contains the kernels or grains. This dual nature makes the word versatile, appearing in both medical contexts and culinary or farming discussions.

Anatomical Context: Used when discussing hearing health, physical descriptions, or the sensory experience of sound. For example, 'My ears are ringing after the concert.'

Agricultural Context: Used when referring to the seed-bearing part of maize or other grains. For example, 'We harvested twenty ears of corn for the barbecue.'

The rabbit flicked its long ears to catch the faint rustle of leaves.

She bought four fresh ears of corn from the local farmer's market.

The loud explosion caused a sharp pain in my ears.

He whispered the secret directly into her ears.

The dog perked up its ears when it heard the word 'walk'.

Furthermore, the concept of 'ears' extends into the realm of technology and design. Engineers often talk about 'ears' on a piece of machinery or a bracket—small protrusions used for mounting or attachment. In the world of fashion, 'ears' can refer to the parts of a hat that cover the auditory organs, such as those on a winter trapper hat. Culturally, ears have been symbols of wisdom (large ears in some Eastern traditions) or vulnerability. The sheer variety of applications for this simple four-letter word demonstrates how fundamental the concept of hearing and the physical structure of the ear are to the human experience. Whether you are discussing the delicate bones of the inner ear or the golden husks of a summer corn harvest, the word 'ears' serves as a vital linguistic bridge between biology, agriculture, and metaphorical expression.

Using the word ears correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a plural count noun and its various idiomatic applications. Most commonly, it functions as the object of a verb related to perception or physical action. Because humans typically have two, the plural form is the standard default unless you are specifying a single side or a specific condition affecting only one. In agricultural contexts, 'ears' is almost always followed by the preposition 'of' and the name of the crop, most notably 'ears of corn'. This specific construction is essential for clarity, as 'ears' alone in a kitchen might be confused with the anatomical part if the context isn't established.

Direct Object Usage: When the ears are receiving an action. Example: 'She covered her ears to block out the construction noise.'

Possessive Usage: Indicating belonging to a person or animal. Example: 'The cat's ears moved independently as it tracked the fly.'

Metaphorical Usage: Using 'ears' to represent listening or attention. Example: 'I am all ears; please tell me what happened at the meeting.'

The swimmer wore plugs in his ears to prevent infection.

We need to shuck the ears of corn before we boil them.

The child's ears turned red from the biting cold wind.

To master the use of 'ears', one must also be aware of common collocations. We 'perk up' our ears when we hear something interesting, we 'cover' our ears when something is too loud, and we 'pierce' our ears for jewelry. In the singular, 'ear' is often used as a qualifier for talent, such as 'having an ear for music' or 'an ear for languages'. This implies a natural, intuitive grasp of sounds and patterns. In writing, 'ears' can add sensory detail to a scene—the cold air nipping at ears, the ringing in ears after a shout, or the soft fur on a kitten's ears. By varying the adjectives and verbs associated with the word, you can convey a wide range of physical sensations and emotional states, from the alertness of a predator to the discomfort of a person in a noisy environment.

The word ears is ubiquitous across many different social and professional environments. In a domestic setting, you might hear a parent telling a child to 'wash behind your ears' or a friend commenting on how a new pair of earrings looks. In medical environments, such as an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinic, the word is used with clinical precision to discuss anatomy, hearing loss, or infections. On a farm or in a grocery store, the context shifts entirely to agriculture, where 'ears of corn' are a seasonal staple. The word also permeates the world of music and audio engineering, where 'golden ears' refers to professionals with an exceptional ability to hear subtle nuances in sound quality.

In the Kitchen: 'Don't forget to buy six ears of corn for the roast tomorrow.'

At the Doctor: 'The doctor used an otoscope to look inside the patient's ears.'

In a Library: 'Please lower your voice; there are many ears listening in this quiet space.'

The sound of the ocean was still ringing in my ears long after we left the beach.

He has his ear to the ground regarding the upcoming company layoffs.

The elephant used its massive ears to fan itself in the heat.

You will also encounter 'ears' in the news and media. Journalists might report on a politician 'having the ear' of the president, meaning they have direct influence and access. In sports, an athlete might 'close their ears' to the criticism of the crowd to maintain focus. The word is also central to the experience of technology; we use 'earbuds' and 'earphones' daily to consume media. Even in the digital world, the icon for audio settings is often a stylized ear. Whether it's the physical sensation of wind against your ears during a run or the metaphorical 'ears' of a government agency monitoring communications, the word is a constant presence in our linguistic landscape, reflecting our fundamental need to perceive and process the sounds of the world around us.

While ears is a relatively simple word, learners often make mistakes regarding its countability and idiomatic usage. One frequent error is using the singular 'ear' when the plural 'ears' is required by the context. For instance, saying 'I covered my ear' when both were covered. Conversely, some idioms strictly require the singular form, such as 'to have an ear for music'. Using 'ears' in that specific phrase would sound unnatural to a native speaker. Another common point of confusion is the agricultural use; learners might try to use 'heads' or 'pieces' of corn, but 'ears' is the standard and correct term for the entire cob with its kernels.

Singular vs. Plural Idioms: Mistake: 'I am all ears for music.' Correct: 'I have an ear for music.' Mistake: 'He is all ear.' Correct: 'He is all ears.'

Prepositional Errors: Mistake: 'I heard it with my ears.' Correct: 'I heard it with my own ears.' (Adding 'own' emphasizes first-hand experience).

Agricultural Confusion: Mistake: 'I want three corns.' Correct: 'I want three ears of corn.'

Incorrect: He has ears for languages. Correct: He has an ear for languages.

Incorrect: The walls have ear. Correct: The walls have ears.

Spelling can also be a minor hurdle, though 'ears' is phonetic. Some learners might confuse it with 'years' (time) or 'airs' (mannerisms). Context usually clarifies this, but in fast speech, the 'y' sound in 'years' can sometimes be swallowed, leading to confusion. Additionally, the phrase 'wet behind the ears' (meaning inexperienced) is often misunderstood; learners might think it refers to physical hygiene rather than a lack of maturity. Finally, when describing animals, be careful to use 'ears' rather than 'horns' or 'antennae' unless you are certain of the anatomy. By paying close attention to these nuances—especially the distinction between the physical organ and the metaphorical capacity for listening—you can avoid the most common pitfalls and use the word with the confidence of a native speaker.

While ears is the most direct term for the organs of hearing, several synonyms and related terms can be used depending on the register and context. In a medical or formal setting, you might use 'auditory organs' or 'auricles'. When discussing the act of listening rather than the physical structure, words like 'hearing' or 'attention' are often more appropriate. In the agricultural sense, 'cobs' is a common alternative for 'ears of corn', though 'cob' specifically refers to the woody core once the kernels are removed. Understanding these distinctions allows for more precise communication and a richer vocabulary.

Auditory Organs: A formal, scientific term. Use this in biology papers or medical reports. 'The auditory organs of the whale are adapted for deep-sea pressure.'

Hearing: Refers to the sense rather than the organ. 'His hearing has declined with age.' (Contrast with: 'His ears are small.')

Cobs: Specifically the central part of an ear of corn. 'We threw the corn cobs into the compost bin.'

The doctor examined the patient's auditory canals for any signs of blockage.

She has a keen sense of hearing, often detecting sounds others miss.

Comparing 'ears' to its alternatives reveals how the word sits at the center of a web of meanings. While 'auditory organs' is precise, it lacks the warmth and commonality of 'ears'. While 'hearing' describes the function, 'ears' describes the physical presence. In literature, writers might use more evocative terms like 'pinnae' to describe the delicate shape of a deer's ear or 'lobes' to focus on where a diamond hangs. In the agricultural world, 'spikes' or 'heads' might be used for wheat or barley, but 'ears' remains the dominant term for corn. By choosing the right alternative, you can shift the tone of your writing from clinical to poetic, or from general to specific, ensuring that your message is tailored perfectly to your audience.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The phrase 'wet behind the ears' comes from the fact that newborn animals, like calves, are wet all over, and the area behind their ears is the last to dry.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɪəz/

US /ɪrz/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

Years Cheers Beers Peers Steers Fears Gears Tears (as in crying)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like 'years' with a strong 'y' sound at the beginning.
Using an 's' sound at the end instead of a 'z' sound.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'airs' (as in 'stairs').
Failing to pronounce the 'r' in American English.
Over-emphasizing the plural 's' in a way that sounds like two syllables.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

The word is short and very common in all types of texts.

Écriture 1/5

Simple spelling, though pluralization is required often.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation can be tricky due to the vowel glide and 'r' sound.

Écoute 2/5

Can be confused with 'years' in fast, connected speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Head Hear Sound Body Two

Apprends ensuite

Hearing Listen Earring Corn Balance

Avancé

Auditory Acoustic Vestibular Cochlea Inflorescence

Grammaire à connaître

Pluralization of body parts

Most body parts that come in pairs, like ears, eyes, and hands, are usually used in the plural.

Collective nouns with 'of'

When referring to corn, we use the pattern 'number + ears + of + corn'.

Singular 'ear' for talent

Use 'an ear for' when describing a natural ability to recognize sounds or languages.

Possessive apostrophe with plural nouns

The students' ears (many students) vs. The student's ears (one student).

Imperatives with body parts

Commands like 'Cover your ears' or 'Open your eyes' use the base form of the verb.

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Exemples par niveau

I have two ears.

I have two organs for hearing.

Plural noun 'ears' follows the number 'two'.

The dog has big ears.

The dog's hearing organs are large.

Adjective 'big' describes the noun 'ears'.

Wash your ears.

Clean the parts of your head you hear with.

Imperative sentence using 'your' as a possessive adjective.

My ears are cold.

The temperature of my hearing organs is low.

Subject 'ears' with the linking verb 'are'.

Listen with your ears.

Use your hearing organs to hear.

Prepositional phrase 'with your ears' indicates the instrument used.

The rabbit has long ears.

The rabbit's ears are not short.

Adjective 'long' describes 'ears'.

He has small ears.

His ears are not big.

Third-person singular 'has' with plural 'ears'.

Do you like my ears?

Is the appearance of my ears good to you?

Interrogative sentence with 'do' as an auxiliary verb.

She covered her ears because of the noise.

She put her hands over her ears.

Past tense 'covered' used with the reason 'because of'.

We ate three ears of corn.

We ate three pieces of the vegetable corn.

Collective noun phrase 'ears of corn'.

The cat perked up its ears.

The cat moved its ears to listen better.

Phrasal verb 'perked up' applied to 'ears'.

He wears earrings in both ears.

He has jewelry in his left and right ears.

Prepositional phrase 'in both ears'.

My ears popped on the plane.

The pressure changed in my ears.

Intransitive verb 'popped' describing a physical sensation.

The elephant has the largest ears.

No other animal has bigger ears.

Superlative adjective 'largest' with 'ears'.

She whispered in his ears.

She spoke very softly near his head.

Preposition 'in' used to indicate proximity.

Are your ears ringing?

Do you hear a sound inside your ears?

Present continuous 'are ringing' used for a sensation.

Tell me everything; I am all ears.

I am listening very carefully.

Idiomatic expression 'all ears' used as a predicate adjective.

He has a great ear for music.

He is very good at recognizing musical sounds.

Singular 'ear' used metaphorically for talent.

The walls have ears in this house.

People might be listening secretly.

Proverbial idiom 'the walls have ears'.

She is wet behind the ears.

She is young and has no experience.

Idiomatic phrase describing inexperience.

The news was music to my ears.

The news made me very happy.

Metaphor comparing good news to music.

He turned a deaf ear to my request.

He ignored what I asked for.

Idiom 'turn a deaf ear' meaning to ignore.

Keep your ear to the ground.

Stay informed about what is happening.

Idiomatic command for staying alert to rumors or news.

The sound echoed in my ears.

The sound stayed in my mind or hearing.

Verb 'echoed' used with the prepositional phrase 'in my ears'.

The diplomat has the ear of the prime minister.

The diplomat has influence over the leader.

Idiom 'have the ear of' indicating access and influence.

He was up to his ears in debt.

He had a very large amount of debt.

Idiom 'up to one's ears' meaning deeply involved or overwhelmed.

The corn ears were infested with beetles.

The agricultural corn was damaged by insects.

Noun 'ears' as the subject of a passive sentence.

She has an ear for accents.

She can mimic or recognize accents easily.

Singular 'ear' used for a specific linguistic talent.

The explosion left him with a ringing in his ears.

He suffered from tinnitus after the blast.

Gerund 'ringing' used as a noun describing a symptom.

Don't believe everything you hear; use your ears and your brain.

Listen carefully and think critically.

Parallel structure using 'ears' and 'brain'.

The puppy's ears flopped over its eyes.

The ears were so long they covered the eyes.

Possessive 'puppy's' with plural 'ears'.

He whispered sweet nothings into her ears.

He said romantic things to her.

Idiomatic phrase 'sweet nothings' used with 'ears'.

The auditory canal leads directly to the inner ears.

The tube in the ear goes to the internal parts.

Technical usage of 'inner ears' in a biological context.

He played the entire concerto by ear.

He played without looking at sheet music.

Idiom 'by ear' meaning without written notes.

The government's ears are everywhere in this surveillance state.

The government monitors everything people say.

Metaphorical use of 'ears' for surveillance.

The ears of the wheat were heavy with grain.

The tops of the wheat plants were full.

Agricultural use of 'ears' for wheat.

She has the ear of the most powerful people in the industry.

She can influence the leaders of the industry.

Singular 'ear' representing access and influence.

His ears were burning as they talked about him in the next room.

He felt like people were talking about him.

Idiom 'ears are burning' based on a superstition.

The sound was so piercing it felt like it was bleeding into my ears.

The sound was extremely painful and invasive.

Metaphorical use of 'bleeding' to describe intense sound.

The detective kept his ear to the ground for any rumors of the heist.

The detective looked for clues and information.

Idiom 'ear to the ground' in a professional context.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

Please listen to me carefully.

Archaic and rhetorical use of 'lend me your ears'.

The intricate folds of the pinna help funnel sound into the ears.

The outer ear's shape helps with hearing.

Technical anatomical term 'pinna' used with 'ears'.

The company is up to its ears in litigation.

The company is facing many lawsuits.

Idiom 'up to one's ears' applied to a corporate entity.

The poet spoke of the 'ears of the soul' being open to the divine.

The inner self was ready to receive spiritual truth.

Highly abstract and metaphorical use of 'ears'.

The ears of corn were shucked with rhythmic precision.

The corn was cleaned quickly and accurately.

Passive voice with an adverbial phrase of manner.

He has an uncanny ear for the nuances of 18th-century prose.

He can recognize and mimic old writing styles perfectly.

Singular 'ear' for a highly specialized academic talent.

The cacophony was an assault on the ears of the sensitive composer.

The loud noise was very painful for the musician.

Metaphorical 'assault' on the 'ears'.

The ears of the barley were scorched by the unexpected heatwave.

The grain was damaged by the sun.

Agricultural use of 'ears' for barley.

Collocations courantes

Cover your ears

Ears of corn

Perk up one's ears

Ringing in the ears

Pierce one's ears

Lend an ear

Inner ears

Pointed ears

Floppy ears

Whisper in someone's ear

Phrases Courantes

All ears

— Listening very eagerly and carefully. It implies full attention.

Go ahead and tell me the gossip; I'm all ears.

Music to my ears

— Something that is very pleasant or welcome to hear. It can be literal or metaphorical.

Hearing that the project was approved was music to my ears.

Wet behind the ears

— Inexperienced, immature, or new to a situation. Often used for young workers.

He's a bit wet behind the ears, but he's a fast learner.

The walls have ears

— Be careful what you say because people might be eavesdropping or listening secretly.

Let's talk outside; the walls have ears in this office.

Turn a deaf ear

— To refuse to listen to or ignore something, like a request or a complaint.

The manager turned a deaf ear to the employees' concerns about safety.

Ear to the ground

— To stay well-informed about current trends, rumors, or upcoming events.

She keeps her ear to the ground to know when new jobs are opening up.

Up to one's ears

— To be very busy or deeply involved in something, often something difficult like work or debt.

I'm up to my ears in paperwork right now.

In one ear and out the other

— Heard but quickly forgotten or ignored. It describes a lack of retention.

Everything I tell him goes in one ear and out the other.

Grin from ear to ear

— To have a very wide, happy smile that seems to reach across the whole face.

He was grinning from ear to ear after winning the race.

Have someone's ear

— To have the ability to influence someone or have them listen to your advice.

If you want a promotion, you need to have the CEO's ear.

Souvent confondu avec

ears vs Years

Often confused in pronunciation. 'Years' refers to time, 'ears' refers to hearing.

ears vs Airs

Sounds similar but refers to a person's mannerisms or melodies.

ears vs Hear

The verb form of what ears do. 'I hear with my ears.'

Expressions idiomatiques

"Lend an ear"

— To listen to someone in a helpful or sympathetic way. It suggests giving time to hear their problems.

If you need to vent about your day, I'm happy to lend an ear.

Neutral

"Play it by ear"

— To decide how to deal with a situation as it develops, rather than having a fixed plan.

We don't have a reservation, so we'll just have to play it by ear.

Informal

"Earworm"

— A catchy song or tune that runs continually through a person's mind.

That new pop song is such an earworm; I've been humming it all day.

Informal

"Fall on deaf ears"

— To be ignored or unnoticed by the people it was intended for. Usually refers to advice or warnings.

My suggestions for improving the workflow fell on deaf ears.

Neutral

"Give someone an earful"

— To scold someone or talk to them for a long time in an angry or complaining way.

My mom gave me an earful when I came home past my curfew.

Informal

"Out on one's ear"

— To be forced to leave a job or a place suddenly and in disgrace.

If he makes one more mistake, he'll be out on his ear.

Informal

"Ear-splitting"

— Extremely loud and painful to the ears. Used for very high-volume noises.

The jet engine made an ear-splitting noise as it took off.

Neutral

"Prick up one's ears"

— To suddenly start listening carefully because you heard something interesting.

I pricked up my ears when I heard them mention my name.

Neutral

"Ear-marked"

— To set something aside for a specific purpose. Originally from marking the ears of livestock.

The funds have been ear-marked for the new school library.

Neutral

"Box someone's ears"

— To hit someone on the sides of the head as a punishment. This is an old-fashioned term.

In the old days, a teacher might box a student's ears for misbehaving.

Archaic/Informal

Facile à confondre

ears vs Ear

Singular vs. Plural

Use 'ear' for one side or a talent; use 'ears' for both sides or corn.

He has a piercing in his left ear, but he has large ears.

ears vs Cob

Agricultural terminology

An 'ear' is the whole thing (husk, silk, kernels); a 'cob' is the woody center.

I ate the ear of corn and left the cob on the plate.

ears vs Hearing

Organ vs. Sense

Ears are the physical parts; hearing is the ability to use them.

My ears are fine, but my hearing is a bit weak today.

ears vs Auricle

Scientific term

Auricle is the technical name for the outer ear flap.

The auricle helps collect sound waves.

ears vs Head

Cereal plants

Wheat has 'heads' or 'ears'; corn specifically has 'ears'.

The heads of wheat were tall, but the ears of corn were low.

Structures de phrases

I have [number] ears.

I have two ears.

[Subject] [verb] [adjective] ears.

The rabbit has long ears.

I am all ears for [noun/gerund].

I am all ears for your new idea.

[Subject] has an ear for [noun].

She has an ear for classical music.

[Noun] fell on deaf ears.

His warnings fell on deaf ears.

[Subject] is up to [possessive] ears in [noun].

The firm is up to its ears in legal trouble.

My ears are [adjective].

My ears are small.

It was music to my ears to [verb].

It was music to my ears to hear you are coming home.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high; it is a fundamental vocabulary word in English.

Erreurs courantes

I have two ear. → I have two ears.
Since 'ear' is a countable noun and you have two, you must use the plural form 'ears'.
I want to buy three corns. → I want to buy three ears of corn.
Corn is uncountable as a grain, so we use the counter 'ears' to talk about individual pieces.
He has an ears for music. → He has an ear for music.
In this specific idiom meaning talent, the singular 'ear' is always used.
The news was music for my ears. → The news was music to my ears.
The correct preposition for this idiom is 'to', not 'for'.
I am all ear. → I am all ears.
The idiom for listening intently is always plural: 'all ears'.

Astuces

Plural Default

Always use 'ears' when talking about general hearing or physical appearance unless you have a reason to specify only one. It is the natural default for native speakers.

Corn Counting

When buying corn, remember the phrase 'ears of corn'. Saying 'I want five corns' is incorrect; say 'I want five ears of corn' instead.

Listening Idioms

Master 'all ears' and 'music to my ears' first. These are the most common and useful idioms for daily conversation and show a high level of English proficiency.

The 'Z' Sound

The 's' at the end of 'ears' is voiced, meaning it sounds like a 'z'. Practice saying 'ee-uz' with a vibrating sound at the end to sound more natural.

Sensory Detail

In creative writing, use 'ears' to describe the atmosphere. 'The silence was heavy on his ears' is more evocative than just saying 'it was quiet'.

Medical Terms

If you go to a doctor, use 'earache' for pain and 'blocked ears' if you can't hear well. These are the most common terms used in a clinic.

Jewelry Context

When talking about earrings, we usually say 'in my ears'. For example, 'I have three piercings in my ears.' This is more common than saying 'on my ears'.

Animal Ears

Use 'ears' to describe animal behavior. 'The horse pinned its ears back' means the horse is angry or scared. This adds depth to your descriptions of nature.

Word Family

Learn 'earring', 'earphone', and 'earplug' together. They all relate to things we put on or in our ears, making them easier to remember as a group.

Walls Have Ears

Use 'the walls have ears' when you want to warn someone to be quiet. It's a classic idiom that everyone understands and adds a bit of drama to your speech.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the 'E' and 'A' in 'EARS' as standing for 'Every Atom Resonates Sound'. This helps you remember it's for hearing.

Association visuelle

Imagine the letter 'E' as a stylized human ear. The curves of the 'E' look like the outer part of the ear (the pinna).

Word Web

Hearing Corn Earrings Listen Balance Sound Eardrum Whisper

Défi

Try to use 'ears' in three different ways today: once for a body part, once for corn, and once in an idiom like 'all ears'.

Origine du mot

The word 'ears' comes from the Old English 'eare', which is of Germanic origin. It is related to the Dutch 'oor' and the German 'Ohr'.

Sens originel : The original meaning has always referred to the organ of hearing. The agricultural sense developed later due to the physical resemblance.

Indo-European (Germanic branch).

Contexte culturel

Be mindful when discussing hearing or ears around people with hearing impairments; use respectful terminology like 'hard of hearing' or 'Deaf community'.

In the UK and US, 'ear' idioms are very common in business and daily life, reflecting a culture that values 'listening' and 'influence'.

Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar': 'Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.' Disney's 'Dumbo': An elephant who uses his giant ears to fly. Vincent van Gogh: Famous for cutting off part of his own ear.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Doctor

My ears hurt.
I have an earache.
My ears are blocked.
Can you check my ears?

Cooking/Grocery Store

How many ears of corn?
Fresh ears of corn.
Shuck the ears.
Boil the ears of corn.

Music/Audio

Wear your earphones.
A good ear for music.
Protect your ears.
The sound is too loud for my ears.

Idiomatic Conversation

I'm all ears.
Music to my ears.
Play it by ear.
In one ear and out the other.

Describing Animals

Long ears.
Floppy ears.
Pointed ears.
The dog's ears.

Amorces de conversation

"Do you prefer to wear headphones that go over your ears or earbuds that go inside?"

"Have you ever tried to play a musical instrument by ear without reading music?"

"How many ears of corn do you think we should buy for the summer barbecue?"

"Do your ears ever pop when you are traveling in the mountains or on a plane?"

"What kind of music is absolute 'music to your ears' when you are feeling stressed?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you had to be 'all ears' to understand a very important or difficult situation.

Write about a sound that you love to hear and how it feels when it reaches your ears.

Think about the idiom 'wet behind the ears'. Describe a time when you felt inexperienced in a new job or hobby.

If you could have the ears of any animal (like a bat or an elephant), which would you choose and why?

Reflect on a piece of advice you received that 'fell on deaf ears' at the time, but you understand now.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'ears' is the plural form of 'ear'. You use the singular 'ear' when referring to just one, such as 'my left ear', or when using specific idioms like 'having an ear for music'. However, in general conversation about hearing, the plural is more common because humans have two.

The term 'ear' in corn comes from the Old English word 'æher', which meant a spike or head of grain. Over time, this evolved into 'ear'. It is not biologically related to the human ear, but the name stuck because of the way the grain grows in a spike.

The idiom 'all ears' means that you are giving someone your full attention and are very eager to hear what they have to say. For example, 'Tell me about your trip, I'm all ears!' It suggests that your whole being is focused on listening.

The main difference is the starting sound. 'Years' starts with a 'y' sound (like 'yellow'), while 'ears' starts directly with the vowel sound 'ee'. If you say 'y-ears', you are talking about time; if you say 'ears', you are talking about hearing.

In very specific agricultural contexts, 'to ear' can mean to produce ears of grain. However, this is extremely rare in modern English. You will almost always see 'ears' used as a noun.

This is a medical condition known as tinnitus. It is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It can be caused by loud noises, earwax, or age-related hearing loss.

Earbuds are small speakers that fit directly inside the outer ear canal. Earphones (or headphones) usually refers to larger speakers that sit over or on top of the ears. Both are used for listening to audio privately.

This idiom describes someone who is very young, inexperienced, or naive. It comes from the idea that a newborn animal is still wet from birth, and the spot behind the ears is the last to dry. Example: 'He's a new intern, so he's still a bit wet behind the ears.'

You use the singular form: 'to have an ear for music'. This means you have a natural ability to recognize, remember, or reproduce musical sounds. You can also have an 'ear for languages' or an 'ear for accents'.

In design, 'ears' can refer to the handles on either side of a vessel, like a trophy cup or a cooking pot. They are called ears because they stick out from the 'head' or body of the object in a similar way to human ears.

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