What's the difference between "hear" vs. "listen"? #EnglishHelp

Feeling lost over when to use "hear" and "listen"?

You aren't alone! Many people become confused about the correct way to use these words in English.

"Hear" and "listen" are both verbs (action words) we use to talk about hearing with our ears. However, they still have different meanings and can be used in a variety of ways. Know when to use "here" and "listen" to help improve your English.

The word hear means that sounds come into your ears without you making any effort.

You may be just lying down on some grass, and then you hear the sound of a bird singing above you. You weren’t trying to go out of your way to hear it. You just heard it.

For example:

I can hear a baby crying.

I heard the birds singing.

I'm hearing children laughing in the hall.

The word listen means that you're putting in effort to focus on noises and sounds.

Your friend may want to tell you about how their day was. So, to know what they have to say, you'll need to listen to them.

For example:

I listened to my teacher read a story.

The cat likes listening to music.

I always listen to the safety instructions on a flight.

Listen to

When talking about things we listen to (objects of the verb), we use the preposition 'to" for connecting to the verb "listen".

For example:

"I'm listening to rock music."

Listen without "to"

When a sentence doesn't have an object you're listening to specifically, don't use the preposition "to".

Normally, this can be things like making a command or exclamation (showing a strong feeling). In both of these, you don't need the preposition "to" with the verb "listen".

For example:

• "Listen! Did you hear that?" (exclamation — strong feeling of fear or curiosity)

• "Shhhh...listen!" (command)

There are 3 main differences between "hear" and "listen".

1. Time Duration

In sentences, both of these words are used for different lengths of time depending on the event and/or action that is happening.

• hear: just one specific/brief moment in time

  E.g. I heard my mum open the door.

• listen: normally a continuous action

  E.g. I'm listening to the news.

2. Level of Effort

Both of these words require different levels of effort/trying when using them.

• hear: doesn't need any effort (unintentional)

  E.g., I heard a loud bark.

• listen: needs effort (intentional)

  E.g., I listened carefully to what my teacher was saying.

3. Use of Prepositions

Both hear and listen use different prepositions (words that tell you when, where, and how things happen in a sentence).

• hear: doesn't use the preposition "to"

  • prepositions used: of, about, from, you

    E.g., Did you hear about the new game coming out soon?

• listen: uses the preposition "to" (NOT "too").

  • Prepositions used: to, for, in, on

    E.g., "I listened in on the sneaky kids whispering."

Depending on the prepositions used, how we listen can change.

• Listen for: Listening carefully for a sound you expect to come.

  E.g., Samuel impatiently listened for the bell to ring.

Photo by Valya Khudyakova on Unsplash

• Listen in on: Listening secretly to a conversation you are not a part of.

  E.g., The cat sneakily listened in on his owner's conversation in the hallway.

Photo by Y S on Unsplash

Practice what you've learnt about using "hear" and "listen" and their prepositions! Use either the word "hear" or "listen" , their prepositions (to, for, in, on, about, you, of) or the verb (can) so the sentences below are complete:

1. I _________ ____________ my cat crying. She must want her dinner.

2. I _________ __________you. There is no need to shout!

3. I called out to my mum but she didn't __________ me. She must be too far away.

4. Are you allowed to _________________ music while finishing your homework?

5. Listen! _________ ________ _________ something moving around in the bushes?

Answer Options

Option A

1= can hear

2= heared you

3= listen

4= hear to

5= You listen to

Option B

1= can hear

2= heard you

3= hear

4= listen to

5= Can you hear

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Now that you know how to use "listen" and "hear", try getting some practice using them!