Don’t say: “I listened a great new song on the radio.”
Say: “I heard a great new on the radio.”
There are two differences between listen and hear:
Listen is often a prolonged action, but hear is just one moment in time:
- While I was listening to the news, I heard that there was a plane crash outside the city.
(“listening to news” = continuous action, “heard that” = one specific moment)
Listen is often intentional, but hear is often unintentional.
- After I heard a loud noise downstairs, I listened carefully to see if a robber had entered the house.
(“heard a loud noise” = without trying; “listened carefully” = trying)
Listen is always followed by to. Don’t use “to” after hear.
- I’m listening to a podcast.
- I can’t hear the TV. Turn the volume up.
Clear up your doubts about confusing words… and use English more confidently!
