I read online

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I read online" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to information or content that you have encountered on the internet. Example: "I read online that the new restaurant in town has received excellent reviews."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

well my lg rumor recently broke, as i opened the keyboard it froze and now wont turn on, i read online that there have been a lot of problems with the rumor, i dont have the sprint insurance but the phone is only 4 months old, how can i go about getting my phone fixed or replaced.

TechCrunch

I read online reviews.

The New York Times

I read online aggregators.

The Guardian

"I don't remember much of what I read online".

The New York Times

GARTH I read online that I was involved with it.

The New York Times - Arts

"I read online somewhere that creative people function better with mess," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"In some versions of the story I've read online," I added, "you even injected Drano into Melendez's veins.

Vice

"I have read online that I have been quoted as saying that any move away would be a step up - I said nothing of the sort and have no idea where it has came from.

BBC

Periodicals I mostly read online, whereas books, a lot of them, I still read on paper.

The New York Times - Health

But I do read online, constantly, and on a Kindle if I'm traveling.

The New York Times - Books

I accidentally swallowed some of the oil, which every guide I had read online strongly advised to avoid.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I read online", ensure the source is reliable if you're presenting the information as fact. Use phrases like "According to [source]" to increase credibility.

Common error

Avoid citing information you "read online" without verifying its credibility, especially in formal writing. Always cross-reference with reputable sources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I read online" functions as a declarative statement indicating that the speaker obtained information by reading material found on the internet. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, making it a versatile phrase for sharing information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I read online" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that you obtained information from the internet. As Ludwig confirms, it's versatile for everyday communication. However, it is important to be aware of the context. While acceptable in informal and semi-formal settings, it may require more specific sourcing in formal writing. Be sure to evaluate the credibility of your online sources before presenting the information as fact. When writing, consider using alternative phrases like "According to online sources" or "I found it online" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I saw it online

Focuses on visual information found online, rather than general reading.

I found it online

Emphasizes the act of discovering something online.

I learned about it online

Highlights the educational aspect of finding information.

I came across it online

Suggests a more accidental or unexpected discovery.

I saw that online

Similar to 'I saw it online', but potentially referring to information.

According to online sources

Shifts the focus to the sources of information rather than the speaker's action.

Online sources state that

Similar to the previous phrase, but more formal and objective.

The internet says

A more casual and sometimes humorous way of attributing information to the internet.

I researched it online

Implies a more thorough and deliberate search for information.

I browsed online

Suggests casually looking for something online.

FAQs

How can I replace "I read online" in formal writing?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "According to online sources" or "Research indicates that" to present information gathered from the internet, or you can mention the source you have "found online".

Is it okay to use "I read online" in academic papers?

While "I read online" is acceptable in some contexts, academic papers usually require citing specific sources rather than general statements. If you "came across it online" you should also try to cite the original article.

What's the difference between "I read online" and "I saw online"?

"I read online" typically refers to textual information, like articles or blog posts. "I saw online" implies visual content, such as images or videos but you may have "learned about it online".

What are some reliable online sources I can cite?

Reliable sources include established news organizations (e.g. The New York Times, BBC), academic journals, and government websites. Always evaluate the credibility of any source before citing it, or just "the internet says".