verbs - Which of these is the correct usage of the words "listen", "hear"?


Which of these sentences is correct? Why?



You must hear to this song.
You must listen to this song.
Have you heard to this song?
Have you listened to this song?




Answer



Either is correct, but they have a slightly different emphasis in their meaning. Hear is generally regarded as a passive activity, something that happens whether one wants it to or not. Listen, on the other hand, is regarded as an active activity requiring the participation of the user.


I might say the following:



You have got to hear this song.



If the person heard the song, and was unimpressed, I might then reply:



Well, you must not have listened very closely.



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