be heard

USAGE SUMMARY

"be heard" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a statement about how something is heard, for example: "The voices of the protestors could be heard echoing throughout the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let Love be heard.

The New York Times - Arts

Waiting to be heard.

The New York Times

Nowhere to be heard.

The Economist

Macrosonophones can be heard.

The New Yorker

You'll be heard.

The New York Times

Let her be heard!

The New York Times

More voices will be heard.

The New York Times

Whispered gasps could be heard.

The New Yorker

"My voice must be heard".

The New Yorker

Tomorrow, we will be heard.

The New Yorker

He will probably be heard.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be heard" when you want to emphasize the importance of someone's voice being acknowledged or considered, especially in situations where they might be marginalized or ignored.

Common error

Avoid using "be heard" when you intend to describe the act of listening. "Be heard" focuses on the speaker's impact, not the listener's action. For example, don't say "I want to be heard the music", instead, say "I want to hear the music."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be heard" functions as a passive voice construction, emphasizing the reception and acknowledgement of a voice or message. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where ensuring that opinions or concerns are listened to is crucial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be heard" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the importance of acknowledgement and consideration of one's voice or message. Ludwig's analysis highlights its prevalence in news, business, and scientific contexts, with a neutral register suitable for varied communication settings. The primary function is to underscore the need for visibility and influence, with related phrases such as "make oneself understood" and "have a voice" offering similar nuances. It's important to use "be heard" when you want to focus on the speaker's impact, ensuring their voice is not only listened to but also acknowledged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resonate with others

Highlights the ability to connect with and influence other people.

make oneself understood

Focuses on clarity and comprehension of one's message.

be acknowledged

Stresses the importance of recognition and validation.

have a voice

Emphasizes the ability to express opinions and influence decisions.

have influence

Highlights the power to affect or shape something.

gain recognition

Highlights achieving acknowledgement or fame through one's actions or words.

make an impact

Focuses on having a significant effect or influence.

get attention

Focuses on attracting notice or interest.

carry weight

Emphasizes the importance or influence of one's opinion.

leave a mark

Emphasizes creating a lasting impression or effect.

FAQs

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

Use "be heard" when you want to express that someone's voice or opinion is acknowledged or listened to. For example, "It's important that your concerns "be heard" by the management."

What does "be heard" mean?

"Be heard" means to have your opinions, ideas, or concerns listened to and acknowledged by others. It implies that your voice is considered and taken seriously.

What are some alternatives to "be heard"?

You can use alternatives like "make oneself understood", "have a voice", or "gain recognition" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I want to be heard"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Saying "I want to be heard" expresses a desire to have your opinions or feelings acknowledged and considered by others.