I hear something

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used to say that you have been told about something or have learned it indirectly.

   Grammar: Often followed by a clause: 'I hear (that) you're moving.' The 'that' can be left out.

   Patterns

   • I hear (that) …
   • I hear you're …
   • I hear something about someone

   I hear you're getting married — congratulations!

   I hear the new café is really good.

   I hear something about a change in the schedule.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used literally when you become aware of a sound or noise.

   Grammar: Here it describes an actual sound: 'I hear something outside.'

   Patterns

   • I hear something
   • I can hear something

   Shh — I hear something in the garden.

   I hear something buzzing near the window.

Common combinations

I hear that

I hear that prices are going up.

I hear you're

I hear you're leaving the company.

I hear something about

I hear something about a new manager.

so I hear

The restaurant is closing, so I hear.

Synonyms and how they differ

I've heard

More emphatic and often suggests the information came earlier, not just now.

they say

More general; it does not mention who heard the information.

I understand

More formal and less common in casual speech.

Commonly confused: I hear something or I'm hearing?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “I hear something”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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