hear
‘hear’ in the present
If you can hear a sound, you are aware of it because it has reached your ears.
I can hear a car.
Be careful
You usually use can in sentences like these. You say, for example, ‘I can hear a radio’. Don't say ‘I hear a radio’. Also don't use a progressive form. Don't say ‘I am hearing a radio’.
You usually use can in sentences like these. You say, for example, ‘I can hear a radio’. Don't say ‘I hear a radio’. Also don't use a progressive form. Don't say ‘I am hearing a radio’.
The past tense and -ed participle of hear is heard /hɜːd/. If you want to say that someone was aware of something in the past, you use heard or could hear.
She heard no further sounds.
I could hear music in the distance.
‘hear’ in the past
However, if you want to say that someone suddenly became aware of something, you must use heard.
I heard a shout.
You can use an -ing form after heard or could hear to show that someone was aware of something that was continuing to take place.
He heard Hajime shouting and laughing.
I could hear him crying.
You can use an infinitive without to after heard to show that someone was aware of a complete event or action.
I heard him open the door.
I heard Amy cry out in fright.
Be careful
You must use an infinitive without to in sentences like these. Don't say, for example, ‘I heard him to open the door’.
You must use an infinitive without to in sentences like these. Don't say, for example, ‘I heard him to open the door’.