I received

USAGE SUMMARY

"I received" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that happened in the past. For example, "I received a letter in the mail yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I received.

The New York Times

I received jeggings.

The New York Times

I received no reply.

The Guardian - Opinion

I received no response.

The Guardian

"I received a black eye".

The New Yorker

"I received abuse from N.J.

The New York Times

I received a standing ovation.

The New York Times

I received a full scholarship.

The New York Times

I received 16 rejections".

The Guardian - Books

I received 24 responses.

The Guardian

"I received his letter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I received", ensure the object you received is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I received a promotion" is clearer than "I received something good".

Common error

Avoid using "receive" in active constructions where "give" is more appropriate. For example, instead of "I received him a gift", say "I gave him a gift".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I received" functions as the subject ("I") followed by the verb ("received"). According to Ludwig, this phrase is common in written English. It indicates the action of getting or being given something in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I received" is a grammatically correct and very common way to express that you obtained something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the object you obtained is clear. While acceptable in various scenarios, be mindful of the alternatives like "I obtained" or "I was given" depending on the context. Pay attention to potential misuses, such as using it in active constructions where "give" is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I obtained

Emphasizes a formal or deliberate process of acquiring something.

I was given

Highlights that something was provided by someone else.

I got

A more informal way of saying "I received".

I acquired

Suggests gaining possession of something, often through effort.

I was awarded

Implies a formal recognition or prize.

I experienced

Focuses on undergoing a particular event or sensation.

I came into possession of

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "I received".

I was the recipient of

Highlights the role of being the receiver.

I collected

Indicates gathering multiple items or pieces of information.

I secured

Suggests making something safe or ensuring it is obtained.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I received"?

You can use alternatives like "I obtained", "I was given", or "I got" depending on the context.

How to use "I received" in a sentence?

Use "I received" followed by the object you obtained. For example, "I received an email", or "I received a package".

Which is correct, "I received" or "I have received"?

Both are correct. "I received" refers to a completed action in the past, while "I have received" implies a past action with relevance to the present.

What's the difference between "I received" and "I was given"?

"I received" is a general statement about obtaining something. "I was given" emphasizes that someone else provided it to you.