nice to hear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nice to hear" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone has said something that you appreciate or find comforting. For example: "It's nice to hear that you're doing well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's nice to hear.

The New York Times

It's nice to hear Calif.

The New Yorker

"But that's nice to hear.

The Guardian - Film

That was nice to hear.

The Guardian - Music

It's nice to hear him say that".

The New York Times - Sports

This is all nice to hear.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's nice to hear from you.

The New York Times

"Obviously, it's pretty nice to hear".

The New York Times - Science

"But it was nice to hear that".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

MR: Nice to hear... solar-power!

Huffington Post

"That's nice to hear, even if you're just flattering me".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When replying to a message, use "nice to hear" to let the sender know you received the message and that you appreciated the positive content of their message.

Common error

Avoid using "nice to hear" repetitively in a conversation. Vary your responses with more specific acknowledgments or expressions of interest to keep the dialogue engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nice to hear" primarily functions as an interjection or response to express pleasure or satisfaction upon hearing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase. Examples provided by Ludwig show it frequently used in conversational contexts to acknowledge positive news or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nice to hear" is a versatile and commonly used expression for conveying pleasure or satisfaction upon receiving information. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from informal conversations to news reports. While it is prevalent in "News & Media" and "Academic" circles, varying your responses with alternatives like "I'm glad to hear that" or "that's encouraging" can enhance your communication style and maintain engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm glad to hear that

More explicitly conveys the speaker's personal feeling of happiness upon hearing something.

I appreciate hearing that

Highlights the speaker's gratitude for receiving the information.

it's a pleasure to hear

More formal and emphasizes the enjoyment derived from the information.

that's delightful to hear

Emphasizes the pleasantness and joy associated with the information received.

that's good news

Expresses a positive reaction specifically to news, unlike "nice to hear" which can apply to a broader range of statements.

that's welcome news

Similar to "that's good news", but emphasizes the timeliness and desirability of the information.

that's encouraging

Indicates that something is heartening or inspires hope, a more specific emotional response than "nice to hear".

that's reassuring

Suggests that something diminishes doubts or fears, offering comfort.

that's a relief

Highlights the alleviation of worry or stress, a specific type of positive reaction.

that warms my heart

Expresses a deep feeling of emotional satisfaction, a more sentimental reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "nice to hear" in a sentence?

"Nice to hear" is generally used as a standalone phrase to express appreciation or acknowledgement of something positive someone has said. For example, if someone tells you they got a promotion, you might respond, "Nice to hear!"

What's a more formal alternative to "nice to hear"?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "I am pleased to hear that" or "it is a pleasure to hear" which convey a similar sentiment with a more professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "nice to hear" in business communication?

Yes, "nice to hear" can be appropriate in business communication, especially in informal or internal communications, or to respond to positive personal news. However, for more formal situations, consider alternatives like "that is encouraging news".

What's the difference between "nice to hear" and "good to hear"?

While both phrases express a positive sentiment, "good to hear" might be seen as slightly more casual and direct. "Nice to hear" can imply a warmer or more appreciative tone. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.