heard to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heard to" is not part of standard written English, and it should not be used. However, in certain contexts, you might hear it colloquially in spoken English. For example: "I heard to tell that they broke up."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Singer's mother was heard to respond.

The New Yorker

He is heard to interject, "Oh yes.

The Guardian

"Great will!" he was heard to mutter.

The New York Times

Their father has been heard to question Scott's honor.

The New Yorker

"Let me unpack," one guest was heard to plead.

The Economist

"All right, I'm going," Captain Schettino is heard to reply.

The New York Times

"Get your dog!" Mr Hill can be heard to yell.

Independent

He needs his voice heard to decide the next pope.

The New York Times

I was never heard to speak badly about Formula One.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a f****** joke," he is heard to say.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gunfire and shelling could be heard to the north.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context justifies the level of formality when reporting speech. News reports may use "said", while academic papers require more formal alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "heard to" in academic papers or professional documents. This phrasing is generally considered incorrect and can detract from your writing's credibility. Use more formal and precise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heard to" functions primarily in reporting speech or describing audible perception. It's often used to convey that information was received indirectly or that a sound was detected. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is nonstandard and should be avoided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heard to" frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but it is often considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Ludwig AI highlights that its usage is nonstandard, recommending more precise alternatives like "reported to" or "overheard" for clarity and correctness. While common in informal settings for relaying information or describing sounds, its ambiguity makes it unsuitable for professional or academic contexts. In formal writing, it's best to opt for more accurate and professional phrasing to ensure your message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was quoted as saying

Indicates a direct quote from a source.

was reported to say

Suggests a formal reporting of someone's statement.

overheard

Implies accidentally hearing something not intended for the listener.

was believed to be

Indicates a widely held belief.

was understood to mean

Focuses on the interpretation of a statement.

is rumored to be

Suggests unverified information circulating.

could be discerned

Emphasizes the act of perceiving something with effort.

was known to

Indicates something generally recognized about someone.

picked up

Indicates hearing something, often subtly.

detected

Implies using senses or instruments to notice something.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "heard to"?

In formal contexts, replace "heard to" with phrases like "reported to", "quoted as saying", or "stated that" for clearer and more professional communication.

How can I use "heard to" correctly in a sentence?

While generally discouraged in formal writing, "heard to" can be used informally to imply secondhand information, though it's still advisable to opt for more precise language such as "I heard that" or "it was reported that".

What are some alternatives to "heard to" when describing a sound?

Instead of "heard to", consider using "could be heard", "was audible", or "detected" to describe sounds more accurately.

Is "heard to" grammatically correct?

The phrase "heard to" is often considered grammatically incorrect in formal English. It's best to use alternatives like "reported that" or "overheard" for greater clarity and correctness.