stand to hear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand to hear" is not a standard expression in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be interpreted as preparing to listen or being attentive, but it is not commonly used in this form. Example: "As the speaker began, the audience stood to hear the important announcement."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

No player can stand to hear that.

The New York Times - Health

"Love" was a word she could not stand to hear.

The New Yorker

Few can stand to hear directions for a fourth time.

The New York Times

No uninfected could stand to hear it, but uninfected kids seemed to be the most unsettled.

The New Yorker

"Can you stand to hear this tune one more time?" he asked the audience.

The New York Times

Sir, we must not stand to hear you talk all night.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mr. Rapetti appeared tense as he stood to hear Justice Hayes deliver the verdict.

The New York Times

One of the panels contained the Ten Commandments from Exodus, a portion that, when chanted aloud each year, the congregation stands to hear.

The New York Times

Then she stood to hear a clerk read a long review of the case, holding her hands clasped before her waist and swaying back and forth slightly.

The New York Times

And when the citizens of Sparti stood to hear the national anthem of the winner, there was an awful inevitability to the sound of the Deutschlandlied.From the start, the pressure of the clock leads to some bad decisions.

The Economist

But even as they stood to hear the names of the dead read aloud, a vigorous debate ensued, a back and forth between readers discussing whether a mosque and Islamic community center should be built near ground zero.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand to hear" to describe a situation where someone is physically positioned to receive information, especially in formal settings or announcements. Consider alternatives like "prepare to listen" or "get ready to hear" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "stand to hear" when you simply mean "listen". The phrase implies a formal or ceremonious setting where people are standing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand to hear" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of being positioned and ready to listen to something, often in a formal or ceremonial context. Ludwig's examples show it commonly used in news reports regarding legal proceedings and formal announcements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand to hear" is an uncommon expression primarily used in news and media to describe the act of being physically positioned to listen to something, often in formal contexts. While acceptable, Ludwig AI notes it's not a standard English expression and can cause confusion if not used carefully. Grammatically, it suggests attentiveness and respect, as seen in examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Alternatives include "prepare to listen" and "get ready to hear", which are more versatile for everyday conversation. When writing, be mindful of the formal tone and the implication of physical readiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tolerate hearing

Focuses on the ability to endure the act of hearing something, rather than the physical action of standing.

bear listening to

Implies enduring something unpleasant or difficult to listen to.

put up with hearing

Emphasizes enduring something despite finding it bothersome.

endure listening to

Highlights the act of persisting through a potentially trying auditory experience.

be able to listen to

Focuses on the capacity to hear something without necessarily implying tolerance or endurance.

be willing to listen to

Suggests a voluntary choice to listen, rather than an enforced endurance.

consent to hear

Implies giving permission to listen to something, often in a formal or legal context.

manage to listen to

Highlights the effort required to hear something, often due to distractions or difficulties.

find it acceptable to hear

Focuses on whether something is deemed allowable or satisfactory to listen to.

be in a position to hear

Highlights that someone it's in the right location to hear what is going to be said.

FAQs

What does "stand to hear" mean?

The phrase "stand to hear" suggests being physically positioned to listen to something, often in a formal setting like a courtroom or ceremony. It implies attentiveness and respect for the speaker or the occasion.

When is it appropriate to use "stand to hear"?

It's appropriate when describing situations where people are expected to be standing while listening to an announcement, sentence, or formal address. For example, "The defendant "stood to hear" the verdict".

Are there alternatives to "stand to hear" that are less formal?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "listen", "prepare to listen", or "get ready to hear". These options are more versatile for everyday conversation.

Is "stand to hear" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "stand to hear" is not a standard expression in written English and could be misinterpreted. Ludwig AI suggests it's acceptable, but careful context is important.