[Confusing Words] Hear VS Listen

Here's two words that my students often get mixed up in class.

Do you know the difference between hear and listen? Which one is correct?

• A) Did you hear the thunder last night?

• B) Did you listen to the thunder last night?

Hear: you hear things by chance, not expecting them; something that happens without any intentional effort →effort level: 0%

• Can you quiet down? I can hear you with my door closed.

Listen: you are actively trying to hear something; to pay attention to someone or something in order to hear what is being said, sung, played, etc. →effort level: 100%

• My mom listens to the radio every morning.

Sound: something you hear

• The sound of the motorcycle is very loud.

More examples:

Hear:

• Did you hear the loud noise?

• I hear the baby crying.👶😭

• I can hear the dog barking outside.🐶

• Did you hear the police car?🚓🚨

• Hello, can you hear me? // Yes, I can hear you.

Listen:

• I like to listen to music when I am jogging🎧

• The doctor will listen to my heartbeat💓

• Do you want to listen to the radio?📟

• Listen to this song. It's my favorite song now.🎼

• Are you listening to me? I'm talking to you!

Sound:

• A bee buzzing🐝

• A car honking🚗📣

• People clapping👏👏👏

• Someone laughing "hahaha"😆

Now you know the difference, which one is correct?

• A) Did you hear the thunder last night?

• B) Did you listen to the thunder last night?

→ A is correct because you don't intentionally listen to thunder, but you can hear it in the background.

Do you understand the meaning now?😊

What about see, look, and watch? Confused with these words too? Don't worry! Check out this blog post for a clear explanation→ Difference between see, look, and watch

↘Practice making your own sentences. Comment below! Tag a friend↙