A language is empty without a set of words which when come together can change the meaning and feelings of a sentence. They are the reasons which make a language easy to understand and pretty fun to use. A typical phrase is defined as words put together that make sense but not a clause. For example, sour candy explains that the candies were sour but do not tell about the object and is therefore classified as a phrase whereas I ate a sour candy tells about the object and subject and is categorized as a clause. Every quote or phrase we use in daily life speaks volumes for itself. It can have varied meanings and explanations depending upon when and where it was spoken or written. As it is rightly said that our interpretations make sentences into phrases. If they are not used properly then it may create problems for us that might not be handled in the future. When we talk about proper usage we also include your body posture, the amount of sarcasm you cast while speaking, tone, and tempo. Learn the meaning and usage of glad to hear.
The quote can be used in many references as it can’t be classified in formal or informal categories of English. The definite meaning of the quote is to say a warm message to someone who has told you about something good that has happened. In simpler words, it is a reply to a person out of happiness and courtesy who has involved you in their piece of happiness. The usage of this quote can’t be defined in a few words as it is a bit more complicated but it is certain that if not spoken with the correct tone it may come out sarcastic and people might think that you are jealous or far worse not interested in their sayings. For the correct interpretation of your message do keep in mind that you should not leave the sentence as I am glad to hear but should complete with a reason which can easily be formed from the piece of information the speaker has given. For example, if you are being told about a business deal being signed with you. You should not leave it as I am glad to hear but complete it by saying I am glad to hear that we will be business partners or you can go for I am glad to hear that you put trust in our company. If you speak the first way you may sound rude or prude, not interested or diverted with other things which may cost you a fortune or even a great deal alongside a reputation.
Informal usage:-
The informal usage of the line means that you are speaking to someone you personally know and are familiar with. It does not include the people you know because of business or work-related jobs. Informal conversations are generally done with families and friends. In context, “ glad to hear” you can add a certain amount of tone which tells that you are really happy to know about the event and you are pleased that you could be a part of it. It should also express that you are sincere towards what the person has spoken and really happy and not just showing or faking it in front of the person. Your voice should express everything you might have felt if that happened with you. Your tone must be a little low and pleasurable to the ears rather than harsh and rude. It should come out as a happy tone which makes the other person smile when they hear it. By this I mean they should be able to hear that you are genuinely pleased to be a part of the news. As I said above, you can’t leave glad to hear without a reason but in this context, since you are speaking with your tone and body posture more you can leave it like that and the other person would not feel left out or unheard. The posture of the body matters a lot, you should give a hug after the completion of your sentence to show your pleasure or at least give a smile while speaking. Keep in mind that it should be genuine and not business-like. For example,
You are told that your friend has secured a huge deal which will give her a promotion and she might be the regional manager instead of a branch manager.
In the case portrayed above, you should smile and tell her with a calm and happy tone that you are glad to hear the news and you may complete with a hug as a gesture of happiness. The last gesture depends on your closeness with the person and your comfort level. It shouldn’t be done if it might create tension or make you or the other person feel uncomfortable.
Formal usage:-
Formal usage means to talk to someone you might know because of work or other issues. You are not quite familiar meaning you don’t know them the way you know a friend or it might also be with a friend that you only meet once or twice or as we say greeting friends. Formal conversations are generally done with people of work or business in which you sound sincere and dedicated to the work. The phrase above when used in a business meeting or in a formal meeting is generally spoken in a tone along with the posture which differs from the informal one. The tone is mostly neither too comforting nor harsh or rude. It is mostly devoid of extreme feelings but to show that you are happy they are spoken in a more easy-going way. The tone usually differs from the whole meeting since you have accomplished an event or secured a deal. Glad to hear is also spoken in an informal way with business associates depending upon the information they gave. For example, if they tell you about their marriage then you would not say in a business tone but rather prefer the informal tone. Sometimes people tend to tell personal information to get to know how you treat your client or how much emotional connection you make with them. The body posture in a speech especially formal matters because it speaks about your personality like whether you are sincere, nervous, or not at all interested and that decides the course of the meeting. Sometimes people tend to tell personal information to get to know how you treat your client or how much emotional connection you make with them. You can go in for a handshake after the completion or in between quoting the phrase which shows that you are thankful for the deal or the event and are pleased that they agreed to work with you. You can go for a business smile or a business face while speaking and closing the deal. A formal hug can also be done which again depends on how close you two are and both of your comfort levels. As mentioned in the second paragraph, you should complete the phrase with a reason that is hundred percent valid over here. It defines that you are a good listener and are a good person to continue or collaborate for the business. For example,
A business associate has just informed you that they will sign the deal with you on the terms you had presented the earlier day and are happy to work with you. The apt answer should be “I am glad to hear that you are interested in working with us or say something like glad to hear you trust us when it comes to business.”
Sarcastic usage:-
This type of usage only depends on the tone since it can be said online or offline. This type of conversation can be done with anyone and used to show that you are not interested in the conversation or are not at all happy with their achievement. This can also be used in the case when you hear someone has received bad news and you are surprisingly happy to hear that or when you are not eventually happy about the news you are hearing from the person but can’t say anything negative about it. Most of the time the above quote shouldn’t be used sarcastically since it’s human nature to not be happy in someone’s sadness or not be happy in others’ happiness. The tone used is generally sarcastic with a combination of rudeness. The tone should not be too rude for the person but is not completely polite or sweet. The body posture matters very little since most of the time your face is devoid of expressions or you just move away after quoting. The quote should end the way and no reason has to follow. For example,
Your secretary told you that the business rivals have gone into a huge loss and the company may be closed down. In this case, you say, “glad to hear that” to your secretary implying that you are happy that your competition has ended. You can also use this when someone is bragging a bit too much about themselves and move away afterward.
Difference between good to hear and glad to hear:-
The basic difference between the two is in the sentiment they portray. For the first one, it is more generalized and used to represent the opinion of a group and in the case of the latter, it is used to give your opinion specifically and tell your reasons to be happy about it. For example,
Good to hear that you passed the exam which expands for it is good to hear that you passed the exam.
Glad to hear you passed the exam which expands for I am glad to hear that you passed the exam.
The first one is generally used in formal conversation whereas the second one is used more appropriately for informal conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions:-
- Can you suggest some other phrases to use in place of glad to hear?
- Some of them are good to hear, happy to hear, or pleased to hear.
- Does your body posture and gestures matter?
- Yes, your body gesture and posture matter since it tells a lot about your actual feelings.
