hear back from someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hear back from someone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expecting a response or reply from someone after reaching out to them. Example: "I sent an email to the client last week and I'm hoping to hear back from them soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But I've found a new confidence, and know that when I have an idea I can just get on with it and not wait to hear back from someone in another time zone.

The Guardian

Don't get upset if you don't hear back from someone you're trying to reach right away.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He contacted the DOT, described what had happened to him, and eventually heard back from someone at Spirit at a higher level.

Huffington Post

You want to subtly hint to your potential partner that you won't wait long to hear back from them – which is true, because if they say "no?, you'll have to find someone else anyway.

WikiHow

I didn't hear back from Joint Stock.

The Guardian

"You will hear back from me soon.

The Guardian - Business

He did not hear back from Zeiba.

The Guardian

They are waiting to hear back from forces abroad.

Independent

And then I hear back from Thomasina Miers.

Independent

She was waiting to hear back from him.

The New York Times

We didn't hear back from Zynga.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hear back from someone" in professional communication, set a reasonable expectation for response time. This helps manage expectations and maintains clear communication.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using passive voice constructions like "It is hoped that we will hear back from someone soon" can sound less direct. Opt for active voice: "We hope to hear back from you soon."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hear back from someone" functions as a verb phrase indicating the expectation or receipt of a response from an individual. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hear back from someone" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the anticipation or receipt of a response. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across diverse contexts, from news articles to personal correspondence. According to Ludwig, it is appropriate for both formal and informal communication. While there are more formal alternatives like "receive a response", this phrase remains a versatile and widely understood expression for indicating a awaited reply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get a response from someone

Emphasizes the act of receiving a response.

receive communication from someone

A more formal alternative to receiving a response.

get feedback from someone

Specifically refers to receiving evaluative comments.

obtain a reply from someone

Implies a more formal or official response.

be contacted by someone

Focuses on the act of being reached out to.

be notified by someone

Indicates receiving official information.

get in touch with someone

Focuses on the initiation of communication leading to a response.

be informed by someone

Highlights the act of being given information.

get a word from someone

Informal way to say receiving news or a message.

catch wind from someone

Suggests hearing something indirectly or informally.

FAQs

How can I use "hear back from someone" in a sentence?

You can use "hear back from someone" to indicate you are waiting for a response. For example, "I emailed the client and hope to "hear back from someone" soon."

What's a more formal way to say "hear back from someone"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "receive a response" or "obtain a reply". These options are suitable for professional communication.

What does it mean to "hear back from someone"?

To "hear back from someone" means to receive a reply or response from someone you contacted. It implies that you are waiting for them to communicate with you.

Which is correct, "hear back from someone" or "heard back from someone"?

Both forms are correct, but they indicate different tenses. "Hear back from someone" is present tense, while "heard back from someone" is past tense. For example, "I hope to "hear back from someone" soon" versus "I "heard back from someone" yesterday".