Learn English – “Glad to hear” in non-speaking form

letter-writingwriting

I'm from Russia and I've got a problem with writing a letter. Can I use the phrase "glad to hear such news" if I'm not speaking with a person? Isn't it better and more correct to use "glad to know"?

Best Answer

"hear" can mean much more than perceiving by the ear. Definitions include:

  • to perceive (sound) by the ear - "Can you hear that music?"
  • to receive news or information (learn) - "I heard about your accident"
  • to receive communication (letter, telephone call) - "I haven't heard from her lately"
  • to be told by others - "I heard she got married"
  • to be reprimanded - "If you don't do your homework you're going to hear from me.
  • to listen with favour, assent, etc. - "She wouldn't hear of it".
  • etc.

MW and TFD

In 1953, a General Service List of English Words (Oxford University Press) listed "perceiving by the ear" as accounting for 54% of all meanings of "hear". With tremendous technological advance since then (smartphones, text messages, e-mails), I won't be surprised if I hear this number has dropped significantly.

To answer your question, "glad to hear the news", "glad to hear from you" are grammatical and current usage.

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