I could hear his voice vs I can hear his voice

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I could hear his voice' is used to talk about a past ability or possibility, while 'I can hear his voice' is used to talk about a present ability or action. The choice between the two depends on the timeframe you are referring to.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 1982 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to talk about a past ability or possibility.

"I could hear his voice"

This phrase is used to describe an ability or possibility to hear someone's voice in the past. It indicates that the action was possible or achievable at that time.

Examples:

When I was in the next room, I could hear his voice clearly.
Even with all the noise, I could hear his voice in the distance.

Show examples from the web [+]

“I sat there for three hours and did not feel the time or the boredom of our talk and its foolish disconnection. As long as I could hear his voice, I was quite lost, ...
I saw Him! I could hear His voice in my head!" Gandalf: "And what did you tell Him ? Speak!" Pippin: "He asked me my name. I didn't answer." Pippin: "He hurt me!
thinking about that shit yo, Just his voice If I could hear his voice right now I'd answer the phone like...... you know what I mean yo listen if I knew where he was ...
I think about how much I wish I could hear his voice again. I can't remember how he sounded, just the little things is what I miss the most about him.

Alternatives:

I was able to hear his voice
I managed to hear his voice

This phrase is correct and commonly used to talk about a present ability or action.

"I can hear his voice"

This phrase is used to describe an ability to hear someone's voice in the present. It indicates that the action is currently possible or happening.

Examples:

Even with the window closed, I can hear his voice from outside.
I can hear his voice clearly through the phone.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jun 5, 2013 ... I can hear his voice when I put it to my shoulder "A gun's like a woman, son it's all how you hold her" He taught me a whole lot more than how to ...
Mar 17, 2015 ... "In the Valley I Can Hear His Voice" Tribute Quartet. Ashton Wheeler. Subscribe SubscribedUnsubscribe 8080. Loading... Loading... Working.
Aug 6, 2015 ... Tribute Quartet–"In the Valley I Can Hear His Voice". Scott Trammell. Subscribe SubscribedUnsubscribe 1010. Loading... Loading... Working.
Oct 11, 2013 ... “I can hear his voice so clearly. Do you think that I'll ever forget it? Because I'm afraid that one day I will.” She continued, “I had it all planned out ...

Alternatives:

I am able to hear his voice
I am hearing his voice

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I could hear his voice vs I can hear his voice