# hear about

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hear-about
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to get information or news about something or someone.

For teachers: to receive information, news, or updates regarding a specific subject, person, or event; typically implies passive reception of information via a third party or media.

## Examples

- Did you hear about the new restaurant downtown?
- I was shocked to hear about their engagement because they only met last month.
- Investors were anxious to hear about the quarterly earnings report before deciding whether to sell their remaining shares in the company.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I heard about that he resigned." but "I heard that he resigned." — do not use 'about' when the information is introduced by a 'that' clause; use 'about' only with a noun or gerund.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun or a gerund; often used in the past tense or present perfect.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'hear of' (which implies simple awareness of existence) and 'hear from' (which implies direct communication from a person).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.