having heard that

USAGE SUMMARY

"having heard that" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that you heard something and then based an action or belief off of what you heard. Example: Having heard that the school was closed due to inclement weather, I decided to stay home and finish my project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Stiller vetoed a few candidates, and several others declined the job, having heard that, as one director put it, he can "leave directors rocking in a corner".

The New Yorker

Ms. Keren and Mr. Tan laughed, having heard that protest before.

The New York Times

She had chosen to forgo the flu vaccine, having heard that it wasn't very effective.

The New York Times

Some people, having heard that the wait could reach five hours, came prepared.

The New York Times

He seemed grumpy, having heard that dinner would not be served at the event.

The New Yorker

In reception, a woman was sobbing, having heard that her boyfriend had suffered devastating abdominal injuries.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Unfortunately, we have heard that threat before.

The New Yorker

We have heard that story before.

Independent

"I've heard that argument," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I've heard that opinion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Councilman Sanders has heard that often.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having heard that" to introduce a piece of information that influenced a decision or action. It adds a layer of context to your writing, showing the cause-and-effect relationship clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "having heard that" when the information source is unreliable or the information itself is questionable. Consider adding a qualifier like "reportedly" or "allegedly" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having heard that" functions as a causal connector, linking the act of hearing information to a subsequent action or state. It indicates that the information received influenced a decision, belief, or behavior. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having heard that" serves as a versatile causal connector, explaining how received information influences subsequent actions or beliefs. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various sources make it a reliable choice for adding context to your writing. Although generally neutral, consider adjusting the register depending on the context. It is frequently found in “News & Media”, “Wiki” and “Academia”. Remember to avoid relying on unreliable information sources without qualification when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after learning that

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge as the basis for subsequent action.

upon discovering that

Emphasizes the element of discovery or finding out something.

once informed that

Highlights the act of being officially told something.

being told that

Simple and direct way of stating the receipt of information.

on the understanding that

Suggests a condition or agreement based on the information received.

with the knowledge that

Implies a more formal or considered approach to the information.

knowing that

A more concise way to indicate awareness of something.

having found out that

Emphasizes the process of uncovering the information.

because I heard that

Explicitly states a reason based on hearsay.

since learning that

Indicates a temporal relationship between learning something and a subsequent event.

FAQs

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

Use "having heard that" to explain the reason for a subsequent action or decision, for example: "Having heard that the concert was sold out, I decided to watch a movie instead."

What phrases are similar to "having heard that"?

Similar phrases include "after learning that", "upon discovering that", or "once informed that". These phrases can be used interchangeably depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it formal to use "having heard that"?

"Having heard that" is relatively neutral in tone and suitable for many contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "with the knowledge that" or "on the understanding that".

What is the difference between "having heard that" and "knowing that"?

"Having heard that" emphasizes the receipt of information, while "knowing that" simply indicates awareness. "Having heard that" implies that the information played a role in a subsequent action.