on hearing that

USAGE SUMMARY

"on hearing that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause in a sentence that indicates someone heard something. For example, "On hearing that the meeting was cancelled, I quickly rearranged my plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Publicly weighing in on hearing that will concern an investigation into you and your subordinates' behaviour is self-evidently insane.

Vice

I have never seen so many happy people in one place before on hearing that.

The New Yorker

Indeed, on hearing that I was writing this article, one colleague told me I was "brave" (I think he meant "foolish").

The Guardian - Opinion

My first reaction, on hearing that Michael Grandage was to leave the Donmar Warehouse, was one of sadness.

The Guardian

On hearing that he had caused injury, attacker said 'Good.

The Guardian

On hearing that a five minute wait was the target, Ms Hodge replied: "Jesus.

Independent

On hearing that Jake was thinking of walking out, Jasmine spoke to him.

The Guardian

In private, on hearing that he had died, Nixon had responded merely: "Jesus Christ!

The Guardian - Film

His life takes a leftfield lurch on hearing that his father is dying.

The Guardian - Film

On hearing that he had won the prize O'Keefe said yesterday: I'm delighted and thrilled.

The Guardian

"You can say that de Becker laughed on hearing that characterization," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the clause following "on hearing that" accurately reflects the information received, and the main clause logically follows as a result or reaction.

Common error

Avoid adding a comma after "that" in the phrase "on hearing that". The phrase introduces a subordinate clause, and a comma after "that" is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on hearing that" functions as an introductory prepositional phrase, modifying the main clause by specifying the timing or condition under which an action or feeling occurs. It sets the stage by indicating when information was received, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on hearing that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce a clause indicating a reaction or consequence to receiving information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts but also appears in encyclopedias and academic writing. While versatile, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various situations. To improve your writing, remember to use this phrase to effectively connect information intake with subsequent reactions, and avoid placing a comma after "that". For alternatives, consider "upon learning that" or "when it was heard that" to introduce variety into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon learning that

Emphasizes the moment of discovery or acquisition of information, similar to "on hearing that".

when it was heard that

Rephrases the original phrase using a passive construction, highlighting the information being received.

after finding out that

Focuses on the process of discovering something, implying an investigation or search for information.

once they learned that

Highlights a moment in time after a discovery takes place, giving precedence to what occurred after.

having been informed that

Implies a formal conveyance of information, rather than casual overhearing.

being told that

Suggests information was directly communicated to someone, rather than passively received.

with the knowledge that

Shifts the focus to possessing the information, and how it affects subsequent actions.

upon being advised that

Similar to "being told that", but with the implication of expert or authoritative counsel.

after word came that

More literary and indirect, suggesting that news has spread through channels.

as soon as it was reported that

Emphasizes the immediacy and official nature of the news, and its subsequent effect.

FAQs

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

Use "on hearing that" to introduce information that prompts a specific reaction or action. For example, "On hearing that the concert was sold out, she decided to try again next year".

What's a more formal alternative to "on hearing that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "upon learning that" or "having been informed that".

Is it ever incorrect to use "on hearing that"?

While grammatically sound, "on hearing that" may sound less appropriate in extremely formal or academic contexts, where more precise language might be preferred. Review your context to determine if a better substitute is available.

What can I say instead of "on hearing that" to emphasize surprise?

To emphasize surprise, you could use alternatives such as "to my surprise" or "much to my amazement", depending on the nuance you want to convey. These phrases add a stronger emotional color.