be overheard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be overheard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone unintentionally hearing a conversation or part of a conversation. Example: "I didn't mean for my private thoughts to be overheard during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The [British] signal cannot be overheard".

The Guardian

The new neighborhood monikers can be overheard in conversations.

The New York Times

Naturally, some innocent Americans would be overheard, he conceded.

The New Yorker

I'd no idea how much could be overheard.

The New York Times - Science

Away from the fray, clubgoers could be overheard invoking Berghain, the German nightclub.

The New York Times

He endeavored to hush me, as if he feared my voice would be overheard.

The New York Times

A table nearby could be overheard talking about the clams at the locavore mecca Franny's.

The New York Times

Arrêt sur Images also explained the technical mishap that allowed the conversation to be overheard.

The New York Times

"It just happened," Coogan said, loud enough to be overheard by anyone who might be listening.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They might want to negotiate the price, and they don't want to be overheard doing that".

The New York Times

I would answer with a monologue of sales talk designed to be overheard.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogues or narratives, use "be overheard" to depict scenarios where characters unintentionally gain access to information, adding depth and realism to the story.

Common error

Avoid using "be overheard" when the listening is deliberate. If someone is intentionally listening, use "eavesdropping" or "spying" instead. "Be overheard" implies unintentional listening.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be overheard" is to act as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that a sound or conversation is received by someone unintentionally. Ludwig examples show its use in describing how private information or conversations are unexpectedly accessed by others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be overheard" functions as a passive verb phrase used to describe the unintentional hearing of a conversation or sound. As verified by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and general writing contexts. To maintain precision, avoid using it when the listening is deliberate; instead, opt for terms like "eavesdropping". Common synonyms include "be accidentally heard" or "be unintentionally listened to". Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and ensure accurate conveyance of intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be accidentally heard

Focuses on the unintentional nature of the sound reaching someone's ears.

be unintentionally listened to

Emphasizes the lack of intention in listening.

be within earshot

Indicates proximity where hearing is possible, but doesn't specify if the sound was actually heard.

be picked up by someone's ears

Suggests the sound was captured involuntarily.

be caught hearing

Highlights the accidental catching someone hearing the conversation, changing the focus.

be eavesdropped upon

Implies a deliberate act of listening, whereas "be overheard" is unintentional.

be listened to without permission

Highlights the lack of consent in the act of listening.

be detected auditorily

Focuses on the physical act of detection rather than the intent or context.

be spied on aurally

Suggests an intentional act of listening for private purposes, differing from the accidental nature of "be overheard".

be privy to

Indicates access to private information, not necessarily through hearing.

FAQs

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

Use "be overheard" to describe a situation where a conversation or sound is unintentionally heard by someone nearby. For example: "Their argument was so loud it could "be overheard" in the next room".

What does "be overheard" mean?

"Be overheard" means that a conversation or sound is heard by someone not intended to hear it, often accidentally.

Is it correct to say "the conversation was overheard"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice to indicate that the conversation was heard by someone unintentionally.

What are some synonyms for "be overheard"?

Alternatives include "be accidentally heard", "be unintentionally listened to", or simply "be heard depending on the context.