Hear About or Hear Of: Which One Is Correct?
Many learners find it challenging to distinguish between hear about and hear of. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between them with examples to help clarify any confusion.
Hear About
Hear about is used when you have received news or specific information about an event, situation, or person:
✅ I've heard about the storm. (= I have received news about the storm.)
✅ Did you hear about the power cut last night? (= Did you receive news about the power cut last night?)
✅ 'Have you heard about Karen?' 'Yes, she lost her job last week.'
✅ 'Have you heard about Starbucks?' 'Yes, they are running a Latte Art workshop tomorrow.'
Hear Of
Hear of indicates awareness that something or someone exists:
✅ Have you heard of hybrid pianos before? (= Do you know that hybrid pianos exist?)
✅ I've never heard of that rock band. (= I am not aware of their existence.)
✅ 'Have you heard of Karen?' 'You mean the woman who was fired last week? Yes, I know of her.'
✅ 'Have you heard of Starbucks?' 'Yes, of course! It's a popular coffee chain.'
I hope this explanation helps clarify any confusion around the use of hear about and hear of. If you have found this post helpful, please consider supporting the blog by buying me a coffee or sharing this guide with others who are learning English.
Examples from the Media
What's the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you? From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you. —The Guardian (2026)
By now, anyone who cares (and many who don't) has heard about the verdict in the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. —The New Yorker (2022)
"The city is saddened to hear of the senseless attack that took the life of an individual this past weekend," the statement said. —Toronto Star (2022)
You may not have heard of her, but this 'Polynesian kid' has millions of listeners. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2026)
Practice
Fill in the blanks with about or of.
1. 'Have you heard ___ Opatra?' 'Yes, it's a beauty chain. They love giving people free samples to lure them into their shops.'
2. 'Have you heard ___ Opatra?' 'Yes, a woman recently claimed that this beauty chain cheated her out of tens of thousands of dollars.'
3. We heard ___ the cancellation only after we'd already arrived at the theatre.
4. Have you ever heard ___ a country called Tuvalu?
5. I'd never heard ___ that author until she won the Booker Prize.
6. I heard ___ your promotion — congratulations!
7. He's a brilliant scientist, but very few people have heard ___ him outside academic circles.
8. I've heard ___ that brand, but I've never actually used any of their products.
Answer Key
1. of 2. about 3. about 4. of 5. of 6. about 7. of 8. of
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