Distinguish a topic from the sender of a message.
The idea
Hear about introduces the subject of news; hear from introduces the person or organisation sending a message.
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| hear about something | receive news of it |
| hear from someone | receive a message from them |
Examples
- I heard about the festival yesterday.
- We heard from our cousin by email.
- Have you heard about the new bridge?
- I hope to hear from the museum soon.
- They heard about the delay on the radio.
- She has not heard from her friend in weeks.
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Watch out
A person can be the subject of news: hear about a friend does not mean that friend contacted you.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct word. I read the news; I heard ___ the storm. (about / from)
Show answer or example answer
about
about: the storm is the subject of the news.
Choose the correct word. A letter arrived; I heard ___ my uncle. (about / from)
Show answer or example answer
from
from: the uncle sent the letter.
Choose the correct word. The manager emailed us; we heard ___ the manager. (about / from)
Show answer or example answer
from
from: the manager sent the email.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct word. I read the news; I heard ___ the storm. (about / from)
Choose the correct word. A letter arrived; I heard ___ my uncle. (about / from)
Choose the correct word. The manager emailed us; we heard ___ the manager. (about / from)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write one sentence about news and one about a message.