heard about

USAGE SUMMARY

"heard about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used in the context of gaining knowledge or news from sources other than direct experience. For example, "I heard about a new cafe that opened up in town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'd heard about these.

The New York Times

I heard about that.

The New York Times

"I heard about it.

Independent

They'd heard about Nangdrol.

The New York Times

You heard about that, right?

The New York Times

You heard about the gators?

The New Yorker

I hadn't heard about that.

The New Yorker

I've heard about this discussion.

The New Yorker

We've heard about the #paracetamolchallenge.

Independent

Yeah, we heard about it.

The New York Times - Sports

I heard about it, though".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heard about", be sure to clarify the source of your information if it adds credibility or context to your statement. For example, "I heard about the new policy from a reliable source within the company".

Common error

Don't use "heard about" without providing some context or detail, especially in formal writing. Saying "I heard about the incident" is less informative than "I heard about the incident from the local news report" or "I heard about the incident from eyewitness accounts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heard about" functions as a verb phrase indicating the reception of information or news, typically through indirect sources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage. Examples demonstrate its applicability across diverse contexts, from personal anecdotes to formal news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "heard about" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that one has received information indirectly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse settings, from informal conversations to professional reports. While versatile, remember to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "became aware of" or "was informed of" for more formal contexts. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "heard about" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became aware of

Focuses on the moment of gaining awareness, often implying a gradual process rather than a single instance.

learned of

Implies a more formal or structured acquisition of information, often through study or investigation.

came to know about

Emphasizes the process of getting to know something, suggesting a more in-depth understanding.

was informed of

Indicates receiving information directly from a source, often in an official or formal capacity.

got wind of

Suggests acquiring information through informal channels or rumor, often implying secrecy or intrigue.

received news of

Highlights the receipt of news, focusing on the communication aspect.

had it on good authority

Implies receiving reliable information from a trusted source.

is familiar with

Indicates a degree of acquaintance or knowledge, suggesting previous exposure to the information.

understands

The term relates to possessing comprehension or knowledge about something, often stemming from indirect sources.

picked up on

Suggests noticing or becoming aware of something subtle or indirect, often through observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "heard about" to indicate that you gained information or knowledge through someone or something else, rather than direct experience. For instance, "I "heard about" the concert from a friend", or "Have you "heard about" the new regulations?".

What is a more formal way to say "heard about"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "became aware of", "was informed of", or "learned of". For example, instead of "I "heard about" the grant", you could say "I became aware of the grant opportunity through official channels".

Is it correct to say "heard of" instead of "heard about"?

"Heard of" typically refers to knowing of the existence of something, while "heard about" implies knowing some details or information. For example, you might say "I've "heard of" that author" (know the author exists) versus "I've "heard about" their latest book" (know some details about the book).

What's the difference between "heard about" and "found out about"?

"Heard about" suggests receiving information passively, while "found out about" implies a more active search or discovery process. Saying "I "heard about" the meeting" means someone told you, but "I "found out about" the meeting" suggests you investigated or inquired to learn about it.