I heard someone scream vs I heard someone screaming

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I heard someone scream' is used when referring to a specific moment in the past when the scream was heard. 'I heard someone screaming' is used when describing a continuous action or state in the past. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the specific act of screaming or the ongoing nature of the screaming.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 1666 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I heard someone scream"

This phrase is used to describe a specific moment in the past when the scream was heard. It emphasizes the act of screaming at that particular time.

Examples:

I heard someone scream when the lights went out.
She heard someone scream for help in the distance.

Show examples from the web [+]

I heard someone scream
It was in your car. I heard someone scream.
Have you ever heard someone scream through gurgling blood?
True. We've heard someone's screams, coming from the torturing room.
Wouldn't someone have heard their screams?
I heard someone whisper to me.
I heard someone crying behind the door.
I heard someone was living here.
I heard someone got hurt or something.
If someone screams, will they be heard?
Because I thought I heard someone mention a check.
I heard someone say they'd seen one, sir.
Well, I was sure I heard someone knocking.
I thought I heard someone praying.
Then I heard someone panting and coughing.
You know, I heard someone mention the name Bashir Al-Fassad.
I heard someone came for you.
I heard someone mention her name at the Zodiac.
I heard someone's going in because of the game room.
I think I heard someone calling you, Wyborne.
I thought I heard someone talking.

Alternatives:

I heard someone shouting
I heard someone cry out

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I heard someone screaming"

This phrase is used to describe a continuous action or state in the past. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the screaming rather than a specific moment.

Examples:

I heard someone screaming for hours last night.
They heard someone screaming in the haunted house.

Show examples from the web [+]

I heard someone screaming
I got trapped because I ran into a burning building when I heard someone screaming.
I just heard someone screaming about a foosa attack so naturally, I overreacted.
I... I thought I heard something, someone screaming, I hit the lights.
We were standing outside a hotel when we heard someone screaming.
We were standing outside the hotel when we heard someone screaming.
They can also enter a private residence under any number of exigent circumstances, like providing emergency assistance to an occupant, say, if they heard someone screaming...
Well, the witness said they heard someone screaming, "Troy Baxter,"
I heard someone whisper to me.
I heard someone crying behind the door.
I heard someone was living here.
I heard someone got hurt or something.
Because I thought I heard someone mention a check.
I heard someone say they'd seen one, sir.
Well, I was sure I heard someone knocking.
I thought I heard someone praying.
Then I heard someone panting and coughing.
You know, I heard someone mention the name Bashir Al-Fassad.
I heard someone came for you.
I heard someone mention her name at the Zodiac.
It was in your car. I heard someone scream.

Alternatives:

I heard someone who was screaming
I heard someone in the act of screaming

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

I heard someone scream vs I heard someone screaming