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A1

Hear vs Listen

Hear is passive — sound reaches your ears (I heard a noise). Listen is active — you pay attention on purpose (listen to the teacher).

The one-line answer

Hear is passive — sound reaches your ears (I heard a noise). Listen is active — you pay attention on purpose (listen to the teacher).

hear

verb

to receive sound without trying — it just happens (hear – heard – heard)

  • I heard a strange noise outside.
  • Did you hear the news?
  • She can't hear very well.

listen

verb

to pay attention to sound on purpose — always with 'to'

  • Listen to this song — it's great.
  • Are you listening to me?
  • She listens to podcasts on the bus.

Memory trick

Listen needs TO because it needs intention — you point your attention AT something. Hear just happens. 'I heard you talking' (accidental) vs 'I was listening to you' (on purpose).

Hear vs Listen: Test yourself

Question 1 of 2

___ carefully to the instructions.