heard back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heard back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to hearing a response from someone after you sent a message or asked a question. For example: "I emailed my boss about taking a vacation and I heard back that I could go next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Never heard back.

The New York Times - Arts

I haven't heard back.

The New York Times

He hasn't heard back.

The New York Times

Have you heard back?

The New Yorker

She never heard back.

The New York Times

(I never heard back).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He did not hear back.

The New York Times - Science

She didn't hear back.

The New York Times

She has yet to hear back.

The New Yorker

Um, I did not hear back".

The New York Times

Do you ever hear back?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context. While "heard back" is generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from phrases like "received a response".

Common error

Ensure the context clearly defines from whom and when you expected to "hear back". Vague timelines can confuse the reader about the expected response time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heard back" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating the receipt of a response or communication. Ludwig confirms its proper use. This implies a prior action (e.g., sending an email, making an inquiry) and a subsequent reaction from the recipient.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heard back" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to indicate the receipt of a response. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and suitable for various writing contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, but also appears in academic and business contexts. When using "heard back", ensure clarity regarding the source and expected timeline of the response. For more formal situations, consider alternatives such as "received a response". Common usage involves waiting for a communication, suggesting alternatives such as received a response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received a response

Focuses on the act of getting a reply.

got a reply

More informal way to indicate receiving a response.

received communication

Formal way to indicate getting contacted.

was contacted

Passive voice focusing on being reached.

got in touch

Highlights that connection was established.

got word

Indicates news or information was received.

the answer came

Focuses on the arrival of an answer.

a response arrived

Emphasizes the arrival of a reply.

a message came back

Highlights that the message returned.

response was obtained

Formal and passive way to say an answer was received.

FAQs

How can I use "heard back" in a sentence?

You can use "heard back" to indicate receiving a response after an inquiry, such as, "I emailed the company and finally "heard back" a week later."

What's a more formal alternative to "heard back"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "received a response" or "obtained a reply" instead of "heard back".

Is it correct to say 'I haven't heard back yet'?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. This phrase indicates that you are still waiting for a response. It is a common and acceptable usage.

What does it mean when someone says 'I'll get back to you'?

When someone says "I'll get back to you", it means they intend to provide a response or answer at a later time. If you haven't "heard back" after a reasonable period, it's acceptable to follow up.