until we hear

USAGE SUMMARY

"until we hear" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a point in time when you will receive information that you are waiting to hear. For example: "We won't make any decisions until we hear from the planning department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Let's not do anything drastic until we hear the facts.

The New Yorker

Everyone gathers in the library, rustling and giggling, until we hear Ficre's key in the door.

The New Yorker

His motives have not been explained and, until we hear from him, we can only speculate.

The Guardian - Sport

There's no real case to deal with as far as we're concerned until we hear otherwise.

The New York Times - Sports

We have to wait until we hear what he's got before we can commit.

The Guardian - Sport

We send notes when a simple text or call would do and bug our friends until we hear from them.

The New York Times - Tech

Trump may have violated the law, but until we hear from special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, we don't know.

The Washington Post

But until we hear what it's like … well, the media perception can be completely different from what is actually happening".

The Guardian - Sport

Because until we hear those brave voices speaking out against abuse, what are we meant to think?

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, until we hear the pitter-patter of baby Kor-Guus, your fitness will remain a big, fat zero".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We don't know what kind of speaker system we like--until we hear a set of speakers that sounds better than the previous one.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until we hear" to indicate a period of waiting for specific information before making a decision or taking action. It clearly conveys a conditional dependency on receiving further details.

Common error

Avoid using "until we hear" when the action should be immediate and unconditional. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty and dependence on external information. Consider using phrases like "immediately" or "without delay" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until we hear" functions as a temporal clause, introducing a condition that must be met before the main clause's action can occur. As Ludwig AI states, it specifies a time-dependent situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "until we hear" is a common and grammatically correct temporal clause used to express a period of waiting for information before taking action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequency and diverse application across reputable sources underscore its reliability and versatility. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its role in reporting situations where outcomes are contingent on future communication. Related phrases, such as "awaiting further information" and "pending further communication", offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis. While "until we hear" is generally appropriate, writers should avoid using it in contexts requiring immediate, unconditional action. Overall, understanding the nuances of "until we hear" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before being informed

Highlights the state of being uninformed until a specific time.

awaiting further information

Focuses on the anticipation of more detailed data.

before we receive notification

Emphasizes the receipt of formal notification as the trigger point.

awaiting communication from

Highlights active waiting on one party to provide information.

pending further communication

Suggests an ongoing expectation of updates or instructions.

prior to getting confirmation

Highlights the need for verification before proceeding.

until further notice is given

Implies an official directive that may change in the future.

before any announcement is made

Specifically refers to the period before a public declaration.

prior to our being advised

Suggests a more formal or professional context of receiving guidance.

before notification arrives

Emphasizes the arrival of a notification as the determining factor.

FAQs

How can I use "until we hear" in a sentence?

You can use "until we hear" to express a condition that must be met (receiving information) before an action can be taken. For example, "We will not proceed "until we hear" from the legal team".

What are some alternatives to "until we hear"?

Some alternatives include "before we receive notification", "pending further communication", or "awaiting further information", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "until we hear" or "when we hear"?

"Until we hear" implies a waiting period, whereas "when we hear" simply marks the point at which the action occurs. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the waiting aspect. Using "as soon as we hear" can also be suitable in many contexts.

What does "until we hear otherwise" mean?

"Until we hear otherwise" means that a current assumption or plan will remain in effect unless new information or instructions are received that change it. It's a way of indicating a provisional arrangement. You can find several examples of it's correct usage at Ludwig in the examples provided "until we hear".