What are the definitions of “hear of”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Know of something or someone's existence.
I've HEARD OF the band, but don't know their music.
- 2Receive news, updates or information about someone.
I have HEARD nothing OF them since they moved house.
- 3In the negative, this can mean that someone refuse to accept, allow or acknowledge something.
I said it would be a positive step, but she wouldn't HEAR OF it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hear of”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hear of is to know about someone or something, or to be aware of their existence. It is often used when talking about people, places, or things that you have some knowledge about, but not in great detail.
What are the different verb forms of “hear of”?
| Root Verb | hear of |
| Third Person Singular Present | hears of |
| Present Participle | hearing of |
| Simple Past | heard of |
| Past Participle | heard of |
Example
I hear of a new restaurant opening in town.
Example
She hears of a famous actor visiting the city.
Example
He is hearing of the new technology for the first time.
Example
They heard of the natural disaster on the news.
Example
The story has been heard of by many people.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hear of”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“hear of” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I heard of the new movie, but I haven't seen it yet.
Example
She heard of the famous artist, but she doesn't know much about his work.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“hear of” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I heard of the new movie, but I haven't seen it yet.
Example
She heard of the famous artist, but she doesn't know much about his work.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hear of”?
Hear of someone/something for the first time
To become aware of someone or something for the first time.
Example
I heard of the new band for the first time when they played at the local festival.
Hear nothing of someone/something
To not receive any news or updates about someone or something.
Example
I heard nothing of my friend after she moved to another country.
Not hear of something
To refuse to accept, allow, or acknowledge something.
Example
My parents wouldn't hear of me quitting school to pursue a music career.
Good things to know
Does “hear of” have an informal or formal tone?
Hear of is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news reports, academic discussions, or business meetings.
