hear from someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hear from someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are expecting communication or a response from a person. Example: "I hope to hear from you soon regarding the job application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was expecting to hear from someone in the military.

The New York Times

It promised I would hear from someone within 24 hours.

The New York Times

It's April 2 and we're hoping to hear from someone.

The New York Times

But also surprising to hear from someone of Pistorius's hellbent temperament.

The New York Times - Magazine

3. Inheriting an Opinion Every so often, I'll hear from someone who inherited some stock.

The New York Times

He seemed both surprised and pleased to hear from someone travelling through his old haunts.

The New Yorker

It would have been nice to hear from someone who did.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's exactly what you want to hear from someone you're going to work with".

The New York Times

"You never heard two people happier to hear from someone in your life," Edelman says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Occasionally, the family would hear from someone claiming to be the captor.

The Guardian

I thought my parents would hear from someone, so I told my mum I was gay.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hear from someone" when you anticipate or expect a response from a specific person. It implies a personal connection or direct communication.

Common error

Avoid using "hear from someone" when referring to receiving general information or updates from an organization. Opt for phrases like "receive updates from" or "be notified by" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hear from someone" functions as a verb phrase indicating the expectation or anticipation of receiving communication from a specific person. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from military correspondence to professional communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hear from someone" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the anticipation or expectation of receiving communication from a specific individual. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media, but also suitable for formal and informal contexts. When writing, ensure that the context involves a direct, personal connection to avoid misusing the phrase in more general situations. Alternatives like "receive communication from someone" or "get in touch with someone" can be considered depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive communication from someone

Replaces "hear" with the more formal "receive communication", emphasizing the act of getting a message.

get in touch with someone

Focuses on the act of initiating contact, rather than simply receiving it.

be contacted by someone

Highlights the passive aspect of being the recipient of contact.

get a message from someone

Specifies the type of communication as a "message".

get a response from someone

Emphasizes receiving a reply or reaction to something.

be in receipt of communication from someone

A more formal and passive way of saying receiving communication.

have contact with someone

Broadly refers to any form of communication or interaction.

be informed by someone

Highlights the aspect of receiving information.

have word from someone

An idiomatic way of saying receiving news or information.

obtain information from someone

Focuses on acquiring specific information.

FAQs

What does "hear from someone" mean?

The phrase "hear from someone" means to receive communication or a response from a specific person. It suggests a direct and personal interaction.

What can I say instead of "hear from someone"?

You can use alternatives like "receive communication from someone", "get in touch with someone", or "be contacted by someone" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "hear from someone"?

It's appropriate to use "hear from someone" when you are expecting a personal response or communication from a specific individual, often in response to an inquiry or request.

Is "hearing from someone" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hearing from someone" is grammatically correct, often used in continuous tenses, such as "I am looking forward to hearing from someone soon."