Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use and help keep my content free. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.
You go to a bar, and you see an old friend. Or you receive a message from someone you hadn’t heard from in a long time. Maybe this is a nice surprise, and they say, “good to hear from you.”
So, what does “good to hear from you” actually mean?
Let’s talk about the meaning of “good to hear from you,” alternative phrases, and when and how to use this expression correctly.
Struggling to understand and communicate with native English speakers? Innovative Language provides short lessons for fast and effective learning. Get personalized guidance from a teacher and complete it at your own pace.
“Good To Hear From You,” Meaning
The phrase “good to hear from you” is used as a way to express pleasure at receiving news or communication from someone.
If you receive a message, email, or call from someone you haven’t seen or heard from in a long time, “good to hear from you” is usually used.
Here Are a Few Example Sentences With “Good To Hear From You”:
- It’s good to hear from you. I’ve been wondering how you’ve been doing.
- It’s good to hear from you. I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me.
- Awww, it’s always good to hear from you! I miss you so much!
- I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. It’s good to hear from you.
In each of these examples, the speaker is happy to have received news or communication from the other person.
When To Use “Good To Hear From You”
This expression can be used in both formal and informal situations. You can use it with friends, family members, and even business contacts.
It’s a great expression to use if you haven’t seen or heard from someone in a long time.
“Good To Hear From You” or “Glad To Hear From You”?
The phrases “good to hear from you” and “glad to hear from you” have the same meaning. They are both used to express pleasure at receiving news or communication from someone.
How To Use Them in Sentences:
- It’s good to hear from you. It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you.
- I’m glad to hear from you. It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you.
As you can see, they can be used interchangeably to provide the same meaning to the sentence.
“I’m Glad To Hear From You” is More Personal
“I’m glad to hear from you” may take on a more personal tone since we are talking about the feeling or emotion of being “glad.”
This is said if you have a closer relationship with the person you are speaking, while “it’s good to hear from you” can be used in more formal, impersonal situations.
- Hey, I’m glad to hear from you. How are things going?
“Good To Hear From You” Synonyms
There are many different ways to express pleasure at receiving news from someone. Here are some other ways to say “good to hear from you”:
- I’m glad to hear from you.
- It’s (so) nice to hear from you.
- I’m happy to hear from you.
- I’m pleased to hear from you.
- It’s a pleasure to hear from you.
- I’m delighted to hear from you.
- It’s lovely to hear from you.
How to Reply to “Good To Hear From You”
If someone says “good to hear from you,” you could simply respond with “good to hear from you too” to show that the feelings are mutual.
However, there are many different ways to reply to “good to hear from you.” Here are some other common responses:
- Thank you.
- You too!
- It’s been so long!
- It’s been a while!
- It’s good to hear from you too.
- Great to hear from you again!
- I’m glad to hear from you too.
- Nice to catch up!
- You too! How have you been?
- I’m pleased to hear from you too.
- I haven’t heard from you in a while.
- I’ve missed you!
- It’s nice to hear from you too.
- Sorry, I’ve been so busy.
- Sorry it’s been so long.
- We should try to speak more often.
- We should grab a coffee and catch up!
- Let’s do it more often then! (flirty)
- I’m glad we got a chance to talk today.
You may also be interested in: 15 Best Online English Courses Free & Paid (2022)
“Good To Hear From You” in Email
The phrase “good to hear from you” can also be used in emails as a way to express pleasure at receiving an email from the recipient. To make it more formal, it’s better to use the complete sentence “it’s good to hear from you” or “it’s a pleasure to hear from you.”
In Conclusion
Next time you receive news or communication from someone, consider using the phrase ” it’s good to hear from you.”
It’s a great way to express your pleasure at hearing from them and show that the relationship means something to you.
What phrase do you use when you see an old friend? Let us know in the comments below!
Useful Links
- 30+ Excellent Ways to Say “Have a Good Evening”
- “Top of The Morning To You” Origin, Meaning and Usage
- Is “Hi There” Correct? Meaning, Usage, Responses & Synonyms
- “Thank You For Letting Me Know” Email Correction & Synonyms
- “Truer Words Have Never Been Spoken” Meaning, Examples and Alternatives
- “Hope To See You Soon” Meaning and Alternative Phrases
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.