I've been sent

USAGE SUMMARY

"I've been sent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to show that someone has been asked to deliver something, to relay a message, or to perform a task. For example: "I've been sent here by my boss to deliver this package."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I've been sent several pictures of Barb tattoos," says Purser.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I hate it, because I've been sent down," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've been sent home from a show in Milan for being too big," Ms Lowe revealed.

Independent

Michael Segalov says: "I've been sent an email explaining that I've been excluded from campus.

The Guardian

I've been sent a manuscript by an awful woman, a Jacqueline Rose.

The New Yorker

12.23pm: I've been sent a fiery email about BA's handling of stranded passengers in Mumbai.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, I've cheered up plenty thanks to the following two emails I've been sent.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I've been sending them.

The New York Times

"I've been sending out résumés like crazy".

The New York Times

I've been sending him money for medicine and other needs every week for years, from whatever country I'm in.

The New York Times

Mr. Branch, I've been sending this article far and wide — including to my brother Brad Barrett, who recently published his first-hand survival account of a backcountry avalanche.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I've been sent", ensure the context clearly indicates who sent you and the purpose of your dispatch for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "I've been sent" without specifying who sent you, as it can create ambiguity or sound incomplete. Always clarify the source of the instruction or dispatch to provide full context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I've been sent" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (I) is the recipient of an action (being sent). Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I've been sent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning as a passive voice construction to convey that the speaker has been directed or instructed to perform an action or go to a location. As Ludwig AI confirms, its register is generally neutral, fitting for various contexts like news and media. To enhance clarity, it's recommended to specify who initiated the action. While there are formal and informal alternatives, the phrase maintains its consistent applicability. The frequency of occurrence makes "I've been sent" a useful addition to one's active vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was dispatched

Emphasizes the official or formal nature of being sent.

I was assigned

Highlights the allocation of a specific task or duty.

I've been assigned

Highlights the allocation of a specific task or duty, similar to the previous option but uses a present perfect tense.

I was directed

Focuses on the instruction or order given to go somewhere or do something.

I've been directed

Focuses on the instruction or order given to go somewhere or do something, similar to the previous option but uses a present perfect tense.

I'm under orders

Highlights that the action is being done because of instruction received.

My mission is

Emphasizes the purpose or objective of the assignment.

I'm detailed to

Implies a specific and often temporary assignment.

I'm tasked with

Highlights the responsibility and specific duties involved.

I'm on assignment

Indicates a temporary duty, often for a specific project or task.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I've been sent" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you could say "I was dispatched", "I was assigned", or "I have been directed". The choice depends on the specific context, with "dispatched" often implying a formal mission or errand, while "assigned" emphasizes a task or duty.

What's a less formal way to say "I've been sent"?

In a less formal context, you could use phrases like "I'm on assignment" or "I'm tasked with". These alternatives maintain the meaning but convey a more casual tone.

Is it always necessary to specify who sent me when using "I've been sent"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who sent you provides crucial context and clarity. Omitting this information can sometimes lead to ambiguity. For example, consider specifying the sender as "I've been sent by my manager".

What is the difference between "I've been sent" and "I was sent"?

Both phrases carry a similar meaning, indicating you were dispatched or directed. However, "I've been sent" (present perfect) emphasizes the ongoing relevance or result of the sending, while "I was sent" (simple past) simply states the action of being sent in the past.