i hear them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I hear them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you are able to perceive sounds made by others, typically in a context where someone is speaking or making noise. Example: "While I was working in my office, I hear them talking in the hallway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I hear them.

The New York Times - Sports

I hear them both chuckling.

The New York Times - Arts

I hear them ask.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Now I hear them".

The New York Times - Arts

I hear them offshore — huff, huff, splash.

The New York Times

Where can I hear them?

The Guardian - Music

I hear them both laughing.

The New Yorker

I hear them from conservative politicians.

The Guardian - Opinion

I hear them on the radio.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I hear them all around me.

The New Yorker

At 11pm I hear them talking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I hear them" when you want to simply state that you are aurally perceiving someone or something. It is suitable for both literal sounds and metaphorical understanding, such as 'I hear their concerns'.

Common error

Avoid using "I hear them" when you actually mean you understand their point of view but are not literally hearing them. In such cases, phrases like "I understand them" or "I see their point" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I hear them" functions as a declarative statement, indicating the speaker's auditory perception of others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules. The subject "I" performs the action of "hearing" the object "them."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I hear them" is a common and grammatically correct way to express auditory perception. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. While simple, it's important to choose this phrase carefully to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning, especially when figurative language is involved. Alternatives such as "I understand them" or "I am aware of their statements" may be more suitable in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I can hear them

Uses "can" to indicate ability instead of direct perception.

I am able to hear them

Emphasizes the ability to hear.

I am hearing them

Uses the present continuous tense to emphasize the ongoing nature of the hearing.

I perceive their voices

Replaces "hear" with "perceive" and specifies that it is voices being heard.

I listen to them

Focuses on the act of listening, rather than just hearing.

I overhear them

Implies hearing something unintentionally.

I pick up their sound

Implies a more subtle or distant hearing.

I catch their words

Specifically refers to hearing and understanding spoken words.

Their voices reach my ears

A more descriptive and indirect way of saying "I hear them".

The sound reaches me

Focuses on the sound's arrival rather than the act of hearing.

FAQs

How can I use "I hear them" in a sentence?

You can use "I hear them" in various contexts. For example, "While I was working, "I hear them" laughing in the next room", or ""I hear them" expressing their concerns about the project during the meeting".

What's a more formal alternative to "I hear them"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "I am aware of their statements" or "I perceive their expressions". These alternatives offer a more professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "I am hearing them" instead of "I hear them"?

While "I hear them" is a simple statement of fact, "I am hearing them" emphasizes the ongoing or continuous nature of the action. Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "I overhear them" instead of "I hear them"?

Use "I overhear them" when you hear something unintentionally or casually, as in, "I overhear them discussing the surprise party in the hallway". This implies that you were not the intended recipient of the information.