on hearing

USAGE SUMMARY

"on hearing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to explain that something happened immediately after someone heard something. For example: "On hearing the news, Jenny burst into tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This one-tailed, directional study compared the effect of myelogram procedures on hearing in selected outpatients.

Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing

"I kept on hearing things," he said.

The New York Times

On hearing voices, a dipper skims downstream.

The Guardian

I turned round on hearing a laugh.

The Guardian

On hearing the prices, "I nearly died," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Aha," she recalled musing on hearing such enthusiasm.

The New York Times

"That's ridiculous," Bastianich said, on hearing Love's remarks paraphrased.

The New Yorker

"Oh, please," Ms. Place remembered thinking on hearing the message.

The New York Times - Style

They showed little emotion on hearing the sentence.

The Guardian

I wonder if he has any regrets on hearing this.

The Guardian - Music

On hearing the latest requests, the fish snapped, "Go home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. While generally neutral, "on hearing" can sometimes imply a slightly more formal or literary style compared to alternatives like "when they heard."

Common error

Avoid using "on hearing" when the action or reaction wasn't immediate. If there was a delay between hearing something and the subsequent action, use a different phrase like "after hearing" or "later, when they heard".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on hearing" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the immediate temporal context in which an action occurs. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on hearing" serves as a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe an immediate reaction to an auditory stimulus. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. While generally neutral in tone, it can be perceived as slightly more formal than alternatives such as "when they heard". When employing "on hearing", ensure the action is indeed immediate to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "upon listening" or "after hearing" may be more suitable if there's a delay between the auditory input and the subsequent action. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in "News & Media" and "Science", showcasing its versatility and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the sound of

Highlights the auditory trigger of the action.

upon listening

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of listening rather than the result of hearing.

the moment they heard

Emphasizes the immediate timing of the action following the sound.

as soon as they heard

Rephrasing with a temporal clause, highlighting the immediacy of the reaction.

after having heard

More formal and emphasizes the completed action of hearing before the subsequent action.

hearing which

More formal and literary alternative.

following the sound of

Focuses on the sound itself as the trigger for the action.

when they perceived

More general, implying perception of something beyond just hearing.

with the reception of

Formal alternative which is based on sound perception.

once aware of

Shifts focus to awareness rather than just the auditory experience.

FAQs

How can I use "on hearing" in a sentence?

Use "on hearing" to indicate that something happened immediately after someone heard something. For example, "On hearing the news, she burst into tears."

What are some alternatives to "on hearing"?

Alternatives include "upon listening", "as soon as they heard", or "at the sound of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on hearing" formal or informal?

"On hearing" is generally considered neutral, but it can sometimes lend a slightly more formal or literary tone to your writing. Consider your audience and context when deciding whether to use it.

When should I use "after hearing" instead of "on hearing"?

Use "after hearing" when there was a delay between hearing something and the subsequent action. "On hearing" implies an immediate reaction, while "after hearing" allows for a period of time to pass.