CONFUSING WORDS (Listen & Hear)

A. LISTEN:

Example:

I can’t help listening to his interesting speeches.

Meaning:

Pay / give attention to a sound. It’s an action that we do. We show some concentration and intention to the sound we perceive.

B. HEAR:

Example:

I was reading a novel when I heard a strange noise.

Meaning:

Perceive a sound. It is an event that happens to us. There is no previous intention and we show no interest / concentration.