‘Glad to Hear That’: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

By Amy Gilmore, updated on November 15, 2022

‘Glad to hear that’ is a statement people use when they are happy to hear the news you have shared. However, it can use have a different meaning depending on the usage. 

Keep reading to find out when people say ‘glad to hear that.’ In this guide, you will find definitions, usage examples, and other popular idioms. 

What Does ‘Glad to Hear That’ Mean?

People use ‘glad to hear that’ as a reply. It means that they are happy to hear what you told them, and most often used positively. However, there are cases when someone may use it with a neutral connotation

When Do People Say ‘Glad to Hear That?’

You can use 'glad to hear that' in a formal email or when talking to a colleague or friend. You need to be mindful of the rest of your message, though. Typically, saying 'glad to hear that' is seen as a positive statement. However, depending on the tone and context, it can also be a sarcastic response.

 Usage Examples of ‘Glad to Hear That?’

As mentioned, 'glad to hear that' can be perceived differently depending on how you use it. So, take a look at these examples below.

Conversational Example One

Person One: I can't believe it! I won concert tickets this morning.

Person Two: 'Glad to hear!' Are you going to take me?

Conversational Example Two

Person One: I finally finished my assignment.

Person Two: 'Glad to hear that.'

Other Examples

  • I saw you on the news this morning promoting your new business, and I was 'glad to hear that' you are doing so well.
  • I am 'glad to hear that' you are doing well. I would love to catch up soon so I can learn more about what you have been up to.

Idiom Usage Writing Tips

Idioms are a great way to connect with your audience or to write like a famous author like Earnest Hemingway or Jane Austen. To use idioms to set your story during a certain period, you need to ensure that you are using the figure of speech in the way people used it during that time. Here are a few other tips:

  1. Do not use too many idioms.
  2. Ensure that you know the meaning of a figure of speech before you use it.
  3. Use idioms that your audience knows and understands.
  4. Bookmark writingtips.org so you can quickly verify the meaning of phrases or words with which you are unfamiliar.

Other Popular Idioms

Now that you know how to use idioms properly, look at these other options. Each of these figures of speech has a different meaning. Read through them, so you know how to use them correctly.

‘Shoot Your Shot’

'Shoot your shot' means to take your chance. It is a phrase people use to tell someone life is too short not to try or that you won't know if you can succeed unless you take the shot.

‘Woot Woot’

'Woot woot' is a celebratory exclamation. People use it when they win or are successful at an endeavor.

‘Dodge a Bullet’

To 'dodge a bullet' means that you avoided an unfavorable outcome. For example, when people narrowly escape an accident or injury, you may tell them that they 'dodged a bullet.'

‘Along for the Ride’

'Along for the ride' is a term people use when they are not in the driver's seat. They are not in control and just follow the driver's desires.

‘Cutting Corners’

'Cutting corners' is a term people use to imply that someone took the easiest, simplest, and cheapest path to accomplish something with little regard for whether they were completing the project correctly.

'In the Pink of Health' 

'In the pink of health' is a statement that means that someone's health is optimal. For example, you may hear someone use this when telling someone that their health is optimal.

Final Advice on Using ‘Glad to Hear That’

'Glad to hear that' is a popular saying usually perceived positively. However, it can have a neutral or even negative connotation depending on how you use it. So, when saying 'glad to hear that' to someone, ensure that the rest of your message follows your desired tone. Otherwise, they may perceive the wrong message.

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook. Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

Written By:
Amy Gilmore
Amy Gilmore is one of the lead freelance writers for WritingTips.org. She has been a professional writer and editor for the past eight years. She developed a love of language arts and literature in school and decided to become a professional freelance writer after a demanding career in real estate. Amy is constantly learning to become a better writer and loves sharing tips with other writers who want to do the same.

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