hear vs can hear

[gchman]

Hello there.

Does this sentence sound natural?

I hear a strange noise downstairs.

Or "can hear" sounds better?

Please help me.

[BobK]

Hello there.

Does this sentence sound natural?

I hear a strange noise downstairs.

Or does "can hear" sounds better?

Please help me.

'I hear a strange noise downstairs' is rather old-fashioned; the words 'I hear' are commonly used to report a rumour or piece of news: 'I hear John and Mary are getting married'.

You can also use 'I hear' to report a frequent occurrence: 'Every night at 03.33 I hear the same noise'.

Also, many people say 'I hear you', meaning 'I understand what you're saying, but I disagree.'

But in cases of plain perception, use 'I can hear'.

b