1 A2 neutral
To receive a letter, phone call, email, or other message from someone.
"I haven't heard from my cousin in months — I'm starting to worry about her."
inseparable
hear from
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To receive a letter, call, message, or other communication from someone.
In plain English
To get a message or call from someone.
What does "hear from" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 formal
To be contacted by an organisation or authority, often in a formal or official capacity.
"You should hear from us within five working days of submitting your application."
inseparable
Usage tip
Extremely common in everyday English. Often used in questions ('Have you heard from her lately?') and in contexts of waiting for a response from someone. Also used formally, such as when an employer contacts a job applicant. Very flexible — covers letters, emails, calls, and messages.
Words that pair with "hear from"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
lately recently yet soon anyone doctor
How to conjugate "hear from"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hear from
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hears from
he/she/it
Past simple
heard from
yesterday
Past participle
heard from
have + pp
-ing form
hearing from
continuous
Hear "hear from" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hear from" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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