What are the definitions of “hear from”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Receive a phone call, email, letter or other communication from someone.
I haven't HEARD FROM them since we left university.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hear from”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hear from is to receive a message, phone call, email, or other communication from someone. It is often used when talking about getting news or updates from friends, family, or colleagues.
What are the different verb forms of “hear from”?
| Root Verb | hear from |
| Third Person Singular Present | hears from |
| Present Participle | hearing from |
| Simple Past | heard from |
| Past Participle | heard from |
Example
I hope to hear from her soon.
Example
He hears from his parents every week.
Example
She is hearing from her old classmates after the reunion.
Example
We heard from the company about the job offer yesterday.
Example
They have heard from their relatives overseas.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hear from”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“hear from” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I heard from my friend after a long time.
Example
She heard from her teacher about the test results.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“hear from” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I heard from my friend after a long time.
Example
She heard from her teacher about the test results.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hear from”?
Haven't heard from
Used to express that someone has not been in contact for a while.
Example
I haven't heard from my cousin in months; I hope he's okay.
Good things to know
Does “hear from” have an informal or formal tone?
Hear from is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, such as business emails or official correspondence.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “hear from”?
Synonyms
- receive news
- get a message
- be contacted
- get in touch
- receive communication
- get an update
Antonyms
- lose contact
- not hear from
- no communication
- no news
- no update
