The phrase “This is the first I’m hearing of it” is commonly used to express surprise or indicate that the speaker is learning about something for the first time. It underscores the novelty of the information to the listener. This expression is often interchangeable with “This is the first time I’ve heard of it,” both conveying that the information is new to the speaker.
Understanding the Expression
When someone says, “This is the first I’m hearing of it,” they are highlighting their unfamiliarity with the subject matter. This phrase is typically used in conversations where unexpected information is presented. For example:
- Scenario: An employee learns about a new company policy during a meeting.
- Response: “This is the first I’m hearing of it.”
In this context, the employee is expressing that the information about the new policy is entirely new to them.
Variations of the Phrase
Similar expressions convey the same sentiment:
- “This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
- “I’m hearing about this for the first time.”
- “I wasn’t aware of this until now.”
These variations are used to express surprise or unfamiliarity with the information presented.
Grammatical Considerations
The phrase “This is the first I’m hearing of it” utilizes the present continuous tense (“I’m hearing”), which is generally used to describe ongoing actions. However, in this idiomatic expression, it emphasizes the immediacy and present nature of receiving new information. Discussions among English language learners and experts highlight that while the simple present tense (“I hear”) is standard for verbs of perception, the continuous form (“I’m hearing”) is acceptable in specific contexts to convey immediacy or ongoing action.
Usage in Different Contexts
This expression is versatile and can be used in various scenarios:
Professional Settings: When unexpected changes or news are announced.
- “The project deadline has been moved up to next week.”
- “This is the first I’m hearing of it.”
Personal Conversations: When learning new information about friends or family.
- “Did you know that John is moving to Canada?”
- “Really? This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
Media and News: When encountering surprising news reports.
- “Scientists have discovered a new planet.”
- “That’s news to me; I’m hearing about this for the first time.”
Cultural and Regional Variations
While the phrase is widely understood in English-speaking regions, there might be slight variations or preferences in different cultures. For instance, some might prefer saying, “I wasn’t aware of this until now,” to convey a more formal tone. However, the essence remains consistent: expressing unfamiliarity with new information.
Conclusion
The expression “This is the first I’m hearing of it” is a common way to convey that information is new to the speaker. Understanding and using such phrases can enhance communication by accurately expressing one’s familiarity (or lack thereof) with a subject, leading to clearer and more effective interactions.
