To know of, to have heard of meaning in English

Learn how to use To know of, to have heard of correctly with Gymglish.
Test and improve your English. Start your free trial today.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,7 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot More than 8 million learners worldwide

Definition

to know of, to hear of (someone): to be familiar with, to be aware of, to recognize (someone) idiom

Examples

  • "My name's John and I'm calling from the National Investment Institute, have you heard of us?"
  • "Have you ever heard of a Website called "Krazy Gidyeon's Perfume Warehouse.com"?"
  • "Maybe you've heard of Xavier Del-"
  • "Never heard of them!"
  • "Maybe you've heard of us?"
  • "Caroline : I understand your concern, which is why you'll be surprised and, I hope, pleased to hear of our plans."
  • "But seriously, have you heard of psychometric testing, Luna?"
  • "Perhaps you've heard of me?"
  • "Bruno : Haven't you heard of Delavigne perfumes?"
  • "Tell me, have you ever heard of Diddly Scott?"
  • "Brian : Well, sir, I'm sure you already know of Horatio Oléré, the head of our Research and Development department - Delavigne's "Nose"."
  • "But I've never heard of Brenda Fontsensons."
  • "Have you heard of me?"
  • "Do you know of any babysitters who might be available to work afternoons and nights?"
  • "I'm sure you already know of Horatio Oléré, the head of our Research and Development department, and Delavigne's "Nose"."
  • "Moira : Lance, I've heard of this sort of thing happening at middle schools and even high schools, but at a primary school?"
  • "I've done a quick calculation of the replacement parts necessary, and the cost would be significantly less than the purchase of a new bicycle, especially since I know of a place where I can get parts second-hand."
  • "Polly : Mr. Warbuckle, I'm sure you have already heard of Philip Cheeter, our dedicated director of sales."
Exercise 1
Choose the TRUE statements from the list below.

There may be more than one correct answer!

Choose the TRUE statements from the list below.

There may be more than one correct answer!
This statement is false. Philip says: "It was hot", but he is referring to the "sexy" behavior of his date, not to the temperature of the restaurant.
This statement is true. Philip says: "First we went to dinner at this trendy new Japanese joint called 'SakeBomb".
Kevin says Philip, "Smart move, ordering ice water... I would have done that in your place too". Kevin is agreeing with Philip's decision to order water instead of wine because he thinks that wine is too expensive.
This statement is true. Kevin says: "Oh yeah I know the place", which indicates that he is familiar with the restaurant "SakeBomb". "To know (a restaurant)" and "to have heard of (a restaurant)" are similar expressions: both indicate being familiar with a restaurant.
Exercise 2
True or false? Icarus and Sam Shadetree have met before today.

True or false? Icarus and Sam Shadetree have met before today.
This statement is not true.
This statement is false. Sam says "And you must be Mr. Quincy, I've heard so much about you". This statement indicates that this is in fact the first time Quincy and Shadetree have met. Although Sam has heard of Icarus, his statement is typically used by someone who is meeting someone else for the first time.
Exercise 3
Choose the TRUE statement(s) according to the conversation you just heard!

Choose the TRUE statement(s) according to the conversation you just heard!
This statement is true. Terrance Cashman tells Bruno that they can "close the deal" (or conclude an accord, or negotiation) if Bruno makes a perfume for his wife. If Mrs. Cashman likes the perfume, then Cashman will invest!
This statement is false. Cashman says he has "never heard of him", referring to Xavier Delavigne. This indicates that Cashman is not familiar with Bruno's grandfather Xavier, or simply doesn't know who Xavier is.
Exercise 4
Let's see how much of the audio you understood!

What is Florence Clearwater's profession? -->

True or false? Jean has met Florence Clearwater before. -->

True or false? Philip knows of Florence Clearwater. -->
Let's see how much of the audio you understood!

What is Florence Clearwater's profession? -->A weather woman 1

True or false? Jean has met Florence Clearwater before. -->False 2

True or false? Philip knows of Florence Clearwater. -->False 3
1 A weather woman: This is the correct answer. Jean has fallen in love with Florence Clearwater, and "she presents the weather forecast" on television. A "weather girl" or "weather woman" is usually an attractive female whose job it is to announce and present the weather reports.
1 A news anchor: This is incorrect. A "news anchor" (or more generally, a "news presenter") is someone who reads the news on television or radio. This profession is called a "news reader" in the UK.
1 A talk show host: This is incorrect. A "talk show host" (or "chat show host" in the UK) is someone who presents a television show where one or more people discuss or debate various topics.
1 A TV reviewer: This is incorrect. A "TV reviewer" is someone who presents a critique of other programs on television. This term is synonymous with "TV critic".
2 False: This is a false statement. Jean does not say that he has met (or been on a date with) Florence Clearwater. In fact, Philip asks Jean "how can you be in love with someone you've never met?", meaning that Jean has not had any physical contact with Florence.
2 True: This is not a true statement.
3 False: This statement is false. Although Philip admits to watching late night cable TV, there is no indication that he knows of Florence Clearwater, or has met her in person. In fact, the end of the dialogue indicates the opposite.
3 True: This statement is not true.
Exercise 5
Choose the TRUE statement(s) about Tabitha Cashman according to the conversation you just heard.

Choose the TRUE statement(s) about Tabitha Cashman according to the conversation you just heard.
This statement is false. Cashman says she has "never heard of him", referring to Xavier Delavigne. This indicates that Cashman is not familiar with Bruno's grandfather Xavier, or simply doesn't know who Xavier is.
This statement is false. Cashman says "normally I have meetings in my office and not on the golf course". We won't ask how Bruno knew she'd be on the golf course that day.
This is a true statement. Cashman refers to her "husband’s birthday". We can safely assume that she is married.
This statement is true. Tabitha Cashman tells Bruno that they can "close the deal" (conclude an agreement or negotiation) if Bruno makes a perfume for her husband. If Mr. Cashman likes the perfume, then Mrs. Cashman will invest!

Still unsure of the best way to use 'To know of, to have heard of'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!

What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online English lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my English. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment

Absolutely free - no strings attached.