Can "not hear of sth" be used in positive sentences?

No, it is typically used in negative sentences to show refusal.

Is "not hear of sth" formal or informal?

It is more formal but can be used in everyday speech.

What does "sth" mean in "not hear of sth"?

"sth" is short for "something."

Can I use "not hear of" with verbs?

Yes, usually with verbs in the -ing form, like "not hear of going."

Is "not hear of sth" the same as "not hear about sth"?

"Not hear of sth" means refuse to accept; "not hear about sth" means not receive information.

Not hear of sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Not hear of sth” Mean?

“Not hear of sth” means to refuse to accept or allow something. It shows strong disagreement or denial about an idea or proposal.

Introduction

The phrase “Not hear of sth” is a common English expression used to indicate that someone does not accept or agree with a particular idea, suggestion, or plan. It often implies that the person strongly refuses to consider the matter. The “sth” in the phrase stands for “something,” making the full phrase “not hear of something.” This expression is useful in conversations when you want to show firm disagreement or rejection politely but clearly. Understanding the “Not hear of sth meaning” helps English learners use it correctly in daily conversations and writing. It is often used in formal and informal contexts to express refusal or disbelief towards an idea.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: Not hear of something
Type: Inseparable
Level: B2
Short meaning: To refuse to accept or allow something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Not hear of sth” is inseparable, meaning you cannot put words between “hear” and “of.” The structure is always:

Subject + not hear of + something
Example: I will not hear of you going there alone.

It is usually used in the negative form to express refusal or denial.

How to Use “Not hear of sth”?

Use “Not hear of sth” to show that you do not accept or allow a suggestion or idea. It is often followed by a noun or a verb in the -ing form (gerund) to describe the thing you refuse to accept. This phrase is common in spoken and written English when expressing strong disagreement politely but clearly.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “Not hear of sth”:

My parents will not hear of me moving to another city alone.
She did not hear of the plan until it was too late.
We cannot hear of such unfair treatment in our company.
He would not hear of giving up on his dreams.
The teacher will not hear of cheating during exams.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse “not hear of sth” with “not hear about sth.” The two have different meanings. “Not hear of sth” means to refuse to accept something, while “not hear about sth” means not to receive information about something.

Incorrect: I did not hear of the news yesterday. (if you mean you didn’t receive the information)
Correct: I did not hear about the news yesterday.
Incorrect: She will not hear about going to the party. (if you mean refusal)
Correct: She will not hear of going to the party.

Differences / Synonyms

“Not hear of sth” is similar to phrases like “refuse to accept” or “not allow.” However, it is more polite and often used in formal or serious contexts. It differs from “not hear about sth,” which relates to missing information.

Refuse to accept: Stronger and more direct.
Not hear about: Means not receive information.
Turn down: More informal, means to reject an offer.

Common Collocations

Here are common words used with “Not hear of sth”:

Not hear of moving: refusing to allow someone to move
Not hear of cheating: refusing to accept cheating
Not hear of quitting: refusing to accept giving up
Not hear of unfair treatment: refusing to accept unfairness
Not hear of leaving early: refusing to allow early departure

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of not hear of sth:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “Not hear of sth”:

Anna: I want to skip school tomorrow.

Mom: I will not hear of that! You must go.

Anna: But I’m really tired.

Mom: No excuses. Skipping school is not an option.

Practice

Choose the correct sentence:

a) I will not hear of you leaving the party early.
b) I will not hear about you leaving the party early.

Answer: a) I will not hear of you leaving the party early.

FAQs

Q: Can “not hear of sth” be used in positive sentences? A: No, it is typically used in negative sentences to show refusal.
Q: Is “not hear of sth” formal or informal? A: It is more formal but can be used in everyday speech.
Q: What does “sth” mean in “not hear of sth”? A: “sth” is short for “something.”
Q: Can I use “not hear of” with verbs? A: Yes, usually with verbs in the -ing form, like “not hear of going.”
Q: Is “not hear of sth” the same as “not hear about sth”? A: No, “not hear of sth” means refuse to accept; “not hear about sth” means not receive information.