heard that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heard that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something you have heard. For example: "I heard that the new restaurant downtown is excellent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We haven't heard that problem.

Independent

They'd heard that story before.

The New York Times

I only heard that recently.

The New York Times

You heard that right, folks.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, we have heard that threat before.

The New Yorker

Had I ever heard that name before?

The New Yorker

Yes, you heard that right.

The New York Times

I never heard that wolves eat carrion.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

"You heard that first".

Los Angeles Times

The mothers heard that often.

Los Angeles Times

Everybody has heard that!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add a bit of personality, follow "heard that" with a clarifying question or a related statement showing you're engaged in the conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "heard that" in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more professional alternatives like "I am aware of that" or "I acknowledge that" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heard that" functions as an acknowledgment or confirmation of something previously stated or understood. It indicates that the speaker has received and processed the information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heard that" is a grammatically correct phrase used to acknowledge something you've heard. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's generally acceptable in written English. While it's most common in informal contexts like casual conversations, it appears less frequently in formal or professional settings. When a more formal tone is necessary, consider using alternatives such as "I am aware of that" or "I understand". Key sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and BBC demonstrate varied usage across different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm aware of that

This alternative emphasizes awareness or knowledge of the subject.

I'm familiar with that

This suggests a general understanding or knowledge of the topic.

I knew that already

This suggests prior knowledge and potentially some impatience.

That's what I understood

This implies a confirmation of a previous understanding.

I've come across that

This implies encountering the information through reading or research.

That's not news to me

This indicates the information is not new or surprising.

I've been told

This emphasizes the receipt of information from an external source.

That's old news

This alternative conveys the information is outdated.

It's no secret

This suggests that the information is widely known.

That rings a bell

This indicates a vague or partial recollection of the information.

FAQs

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

You can use "heard that" to acknowledge something someone has said, like in the sentence "I "heard that" the new policy will be implemented next month".

What's a more formal alternative to "heard that"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "I am aware of that", "I acknowledge that", or "I understand that" depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "heard that" in professional emails?

While "heard that" is acceptable in informal communication, it's generally best to avoid it in professional emails. Use more formal phrases such as "I understand" or "I have been informed" instead.

Which is correct, "heard that" or "herd that"?

"Heard that" is the correct spelling when you're referring to something you've heard. "Herd that" is incorrect unless you're talking about a group of animals, which is unlikely in most conversational contexts.