The phrasal verb "hear of" is more common in informal speech, often used in casual conversations to express familiarity with something or to acknowledge the existence of a person, place, or thing. Typically, it is employed to inquire whether someone knows about or has information concerning a particular subject, as in "Have you heard of the new restaurant in town?" or "I've never heard of that author before." It can also be used to imply incredulity or to downplay the significance of something, such as "I've never heard of such nonsense!" In formal contexts, one might opt for alternatives like "be aware of" or "be familiar with," as they carry a more traditional tone. "Hear of" can indicate social awareness or general knowledge, often contributing to discussions about popular culture or local news.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To become aware or informed about someone or something.
I first heard of the band when they performed at the local club.
Have you ever heard of the book 'Pride and Prejudice'?
2. To know or recognize someone's or something's existence or significance.
I've never heard of such a strange tradition before.
She was surprised that nobody had heard of her hometown.