having heard this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having heard this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has received or listened to information before proceeding with a statement or action. Example: "Having heard this, she decided to take a different approach to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Despite not having heard this repartee, Plimpton, who loved gossip, gave an account of it to Truman Capote, who embellished the scene in a way that humiliated Vidal - and resulted in an ill-tempered lawsuit between the two men.

The Guardian

Having heard this sort of call before, I was motivated to create a program emphasizing humanistic care for the New York University School of Medicine, where I have been a full professor since 1977.

The New York Times - Science

Here, Cicero speaks of Philodemus, without naming him, as Piso's constant companion since the Roman, as a young man, sought his company, having heard this Epicurean advocate pleasure as the goal of life.

SEP

Apparently, she had become convinced that her fear of skydiving was but a minor inconvenience after having heard this story.

Huffington Post

The reported details are sparse so far, but already one gets the uncomfortable feeling of having heard this before.

Vice

"What good is this meaning of life?" he asked the frog, which made a chuckle-like sound, having heard this question one too many times.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We have heard this before.

The Economist

We've heard this".

The New York Times - Science

We have heard this before, of course.

The New York Times - Books

But we've heard this before.

Independent

Well, O.K. I've heard this rumor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having heard this" to clearly indicate that an action or statement is a direct result of receiving specific information. It enhances clarity by establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "having heard this" when the subsequent action isn't directly and immediately linked to the information received. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects a cause-and-effect relationship, not just a coincidental sequence of events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having heard this" functions as an introductory participial phrase, modifying the subject of the main clause. It sets the context by indicating that the action in the main clause is a consequence of receiving certain information. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having heard this" is a grammatically correct participial phrase used to introduce a clause, indicating that a subsequent action or statement is a direct consequence of receiving information. While Ludwig confirms its validity, its usage is more common in neutral contexts like news and media, and less so in highly informal settings. Related phrases like "after hearing this" or "upon hearing this" can offer alternative ways to express this relationship, depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after hearing this

Replaces the gerund phrase with a simpler prepositional phrase, emphasizing the temporal sequence.

upon hearing this

Emphasizes the immediacy of the information's impact, suggesting a direct and swift reaction.

once this was heard

Shifts the focus to a passive construction, highlighting the reception of information.

with this information received

Formally acknowledges the receipt of the information before proceeding.

on the basis of this information

Emphasizes that a decision or action is based on the received information.

following this news

Specifically refers to news as the type of information received.

being aware of this

Highlights the state of awareness resulting from hearing the information.

knowing this

Simplifies the phrase to a basic statement of knowledge.

understanding this

Focuses on the comprehension of the information.

after learning of this

Indicates the acquisition of knowledge through hearing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "having heard this" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "upon hearing this", "after hearing this", or "with this information received". These alternatives often suit professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "having heard this" and "after hearing this"?

"Having heard this" implies a more direct and immediate consequence, while "after hearing this" simply indicates a sequence of events. The former emphasizes the impact of the information.

Is "having heard this" appropriate for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "having heard this" might sound slightly formal for very casual settings. In informal conversations, consider using simpler phrases like "now that I know this" or "hearing that".

How to ensure correct punctuation when using "having heard this" in a sentence?

Typically, "having heard this" introduces a clause and should be followed by a comma before the main clause. For example, "Having heard this, she decided to change her plans".