I heard that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I heard that" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that the speaker has heard, typically from another person. For example: I heard that the new movie is going to be released this summer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Where have I heard that name before?

Independent

"I heard that need in his voice.

The New York Times

"I heard that was No. 1".

The New York Times - Magazine

(I think I heard that right).

The Guardian - Tech

"I heard that voice, and my ears perked up.

The New York Times - Arts

When I heard that name announced, I got goose bumps.

The New York Times - Sports

I heard that story a lot!

Science Magazine

"I heard that but I do not believe it.

AIDS and Behavior

Well, I heard that.

The New York Times

I heard that, now".

The New Yorker

I heard that elsewhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I heard that" to introduce information from a specific source, adding credibility by citing the source when possible. For example, "I heard that, according to The New York Times, the company is planning a major expansion."

Common error

Avoid using "I heard that" as the sole basis for important decisions or claims. Always verify information from multiple reliable sources to ensure accuracy and avoid spreading misinformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I heard that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing information the speaker has received from an unspecified source. According to Ludwig, this is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase. It sets the stage for conveying information without necessarily endorsing its accuracy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I heard that" is a versatile and commonly used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily functioning to introduce information received from an external source. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from casual conversations to news reports. The phrase is prevalent in "News & Media", but its use extends to scientific and general contexts as well. While it's a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase, it's essential to verify the information's accuracy and avoid relying solely on hearsay, as a best practice. When more formality is required, alternatives like "I understand that" or "I was told that" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I understand that

Emphasizes comprehension or acknowledgement of the information.

I was told that

Highlights the act of being informed by someone.

I've been informed that

A more formal way of saying you received information.

It's my understanding that

Indicates a belief based on received information.

I gather that

Implies inferring information from indirect sources.

I'm under the impression that

Suggests a subjective feeling based on information received.

Word has it that

Indicates the information is circulating as a rumor or common knowledge.

Rumor has it that

Highlights the uncertain or speculative nature of the information.

I've learned that

Focuses on the acquisition of new knowledge.

I came to hear that

Suggests indirect manner of hearing something, focusing on unexpected or surprising nature of the news.

FAQs

How can I use "I heard that" in a sentence?

Use "I heard that" to introduce information you've received from someone else. For example, "I heard that the meeting has been postponed".

What can I say instead of "I heard that"?

You can use alternatives like "I understand that", "I was told that", or "it's my understanding that" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I heard that" or "I've heard that"?

Both "I heard that" and "I've heard that" are grammatically correct. "I heard that" implies you heard something at a specific point in the past, while "I've heard that" suggests you heard it at some point before now, and it's still relevant.

When should I avoid using "I heard that"?

Avoid using "I heard that" in formal or professional writing when you need to convey certainty or authority. Instead, cite your sources directly or use more assertive language.