I hear about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I hear about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or news that you have received or learned from others. Example: "I hear about the new project from my colleagues during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"What I hear about is attitude".

The New York Times

The parents I hear about are me.

Huffington Post

I hear about games I can't see.

The New York Times - Sports

I hear about their lives.

The New York Times

But, O.K., so I hear about Essie nail polish.

The New Yorker

I hear about this, disparagingly, from readers far more often.

The New York Times

"Jobs are all I hear about every day.

The New York Times

What's this I hear about debt-free college?

The Guardian - Money

Those are kind of the numbers that I hear about.

The Guardian

I test everything I hear about a rose.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes I hear about things by accident," Dhoul said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I hear about" to convey that you received information from someone or somewhere, not necessarily through direct experience. For example, "I hear about the new policy from my colleagues."

Common error

Avoid using "I hear about" when you directly witnessed or experienced something. Instead, use phrases like "I saw", "I experienced", or "I observed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I hear about" primarily functions as a declarative phrase used to introduce information or news that the speaker has received from an external source. As evidenced by Ludwig, this expression indicates that the information was obtained indirectly, through communication or reports, rather than through direct experience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I hear about" functions as a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that you have received information or news from an external source. Ludwig confirms its broad usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "I learn about" or "I was told about" exist, it’s important to choose the phrase that best reflects the specific nuance you wish to convey regarding the source and nature of the information. Remember to avoid using "I hear about" when you have direct, personal knowledge of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am told about

Directly indicates that someone is providing the information.

I find out about

Focuses on discovering or uncovering information through investigation or inquiry.

News gets to me about

Emphasizes the arrival of news or updates.

I learn of

Emphasizes the process of gaining knowledge, rather than simply hearing.

I come to know of

Implies a gradual process of learning or becoming aware.

I am informed of

Suggests a more formal or official way of receiving information.

It has come to my attention that

A more formal way of stating that one has become aware of something.

I gather that

Indicates forming an opinion or conclusion based on information received.

I understand that

Implies comprehension and acceptance of the information received.

Word reaches me that

Suggests information arriving through informal communication.

FAQs

What does "I hear about" mean?

The phrase "I hear about" means you received information or news regarding something from another person or source. It doesn't necessarily imply you were directly involved or witnessed it firsthand.

How can I use "I hear about" in a sentence?

You can use "I hear about" to introduce information you've gained indirectly. For instance, "I hear about the new project from my manager".

What's a more formal way to say "I hear about"?

A more formal alternative would be "I was informed of" or "It has come to my attention that" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "I hear about" and "I learn about"?

While similar, "I hear about" implies receiving information, whereas "I learn about" suggests actively acquiring knowledge or understanding through study or experience.