listen to classical music

Meaning

This phrase refers to the act of hearing and paying attention to traditional orchestral, instrumental, or choral music, typically from the Western tradition. It is often used when talking about hobbies, study habits, or relaxation techniques.

Examples

• I like to listen to classical music when I am studying for exams.

  I like to listen to classical music when I am studying for exams.

• My grandfather taught me to appreciate and listen to classical music.

  My grandfather taught me to appreciate and listen to classical music.

• Does listening to classical music actually make babies smarter?

  Does listening to classical music actually make babies smarter?

• She put on her headphones to listen to classical music during the long flight.

  She put on her headphones to listen to classical music during the long flight.

• We decided to listen to classical music to help us fall asleep.

  We decided to listen to classical music to help us fall asleep.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I like to listen classical music.

  ✓ I like to listen to classical music.

  The verb 'listen' must always be followed by the preposition 'to' when it has a direct object.

• ✗ He listens classic music.

  ✓ He listens to classical music.

  'Classic' is an adjective meaning high-quality or traditional (e.g., a classic car), whereas 'classical' specifically refers to the music genre.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I find it much easier to focus on my writing when I ___.

  💡 Play instrumental orchestral pieces like Mozart or Bach.

  Show answer

  listen to classical music

• You should ___ if you want to calm your mind before sleep.

  💡 Put on relaxing instrumental music.

  Show answer

  listen to classical music