Confused Words: Hear About, Hear Of vs Hear From

Hello everyone! Today we’re discussing three commonly confused English phrases: “Hear About“, “Hear Of“, and “Hear From“. Although they all include the word ‘hear’, they’re used differently. Let’s dive in!

Hear About

“Hear About” (IPA: /hɪər əˈbaʊt/) is used when you receive information or news about something or someone.

Here are 10 examples:

1. Did you hear about the new movie releasing this weekend? (Did you get information about the new movie?)
2. I heard about your promotion. Congratulations! (I got the news of your promotion)
3. He heard about the accident on the news. (He received information about the accident from the news)
4. We heard about the party from our friends. (Our friends told us about the party)
5. She heard about the concert and decided to buy a ticket. (She got the information about the concert and decided to attend)
6. They heard about the project at the team meeting. (They received information about the project during the meeting)
7. Did you hear about the new restaurant in town? (Did you get information about the new restaurant?)
8. I heard about the sale and plan to go shopping. (I got the news of the sale and plan to shop)
9. He heard about her achievements through a mutual friend. (A friend informed him about her achievements)
10. We heard about the change in plans from the boss. (The boss informed us about the change in plans)

Hear Of

“Hear Of” (IPA: /hɪər ɒv/) is used when you know or have knowledge of someone or something, generally, without much detail.

Here are 10 examples:

1. Have you heard of this author before? (Do you know this author?)
2. I’ve heard of the band, but I haven’t listened to their music. (I know the band exists, but I haven’t experienced their music)
3. He’s heard of the company but doesn’t know what they do. (He knows the company exists, but doesn’t know its work)
4. She heard of the concept but doesn’t understand it fully. (She knows the concept but lacks detailed understanding)
5. They heard of the event but didn’t attend. (They knew about the event but didn’t go)
6. We heard of her, she’s a famous scientist. (We know her, she’s a well-known scientist)
7. Have you heard of this new tech startup? (Do you know this new tech startup?)
8. I heard of that old movie, it’s a classic. (I know that old movie, it’s a well-known one)
9. He heard of the artist, his paintings are famous. (He knows the artist who is famous for his paintings)
10. We heard of the festival, it’s popular in this region. (We know about the festival, it’s popular here)

Hear From

“Hear From” (IPA: /hɪər frʌm/) is used when you receive a communication or message from someone, typically through a letter, phone call, or email.

Here are 10 examples:

1. Did you hear from Mary about the meeting? (Did Mary communicate with you about the meeting?)
2. I heard from John yesterday, he’s doing well. (John communicated with me yesterday)
3. We haven’t heard from the clients yet. (The clients haven’t communicated with us yet)
4. She was delighted to hear from her old friend. (Her old friend contacted her, and she was happy)
5. Have you heard from the university about your application? (Did the university contact you about your application?)
6. We heard from our relatives in London today. (Our relatives in London contacted us today)
7. Did you hear from your doctor about the test results? (Did your doctor contact you about the test results?)
8. I heard from my team, the project is going well. (My team contacted me about the project)
9. She heard from her teacher about the homework. (Her teacher contacted her about the homework)
10. They heard from their parents, they will be late. (Their parents contacted them to say they will be late)

Conclusion

Understanding the usage of “Hear About“, “Hear Of” and “Hear From” can help you communicate more effectively. Remember, ‘hear about’ is for receiving news or information, ‘hear of’ implies a general knowledge of something, and ‘hear from’ means receiving communication from someone.