when to use listen to, hear
How can I make the difference about these words.
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English Grammar
From Gee:
As our angelical mate said, "listen" means that one pays attention to what one is hearing. To listen is to hear with thoughtful attention.
Figuratively listen also means heed. For instance to listen to a plea, to a critique.
To hear is first to perceive sound by the ear.(1)
Secondly to hear may sometimes be used for listen, saying that one hears someone,(2) or takes into account what is said (3).
Listen, bepiaral! Here are some examples.
hear as transitive verb
(1) On a distance call "Can you hear me?"
You nearly got knocked over. Didn't you hear the car coming?
Did you hear the breaking news? Yes, I heard god died yesterday.
(2) You are complaining. Yes but I cannot hear you.
(3) The witness has been heard by the court.
hear as intransitive
(1) I hear, I am not deaf.
Yes I heard about god's death.
(2) I guess what you want but I won't hear of your leaving.
They watch the telly but listen to the radio.
They see the cloudy sky and hear the wind blowing.
Is it clear, bepiral? If it is, I hope you heard me kindly and I wish you listen to funny tunes on your mp3.
Posts: 2715
19 Feb. 2009