I received a call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I received a call" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to inform someone that you got a phone call, typically in a past context. Example: "Earlier today, I received a call from my friend asking for advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

About a year later, I received a call from her out of the blue.

The Guardian

"When I was in Minya, I received a call from the military prosecutor.

The New York Times

Several days later, I received a call from management giving me credit for my restraint.

The New York Times

A month later, I received a call from his wife, Irina Kaplun, asking to see me.

The New York Times

"I received a call one day from a Mr. Thomas Campbell, Barbara Fleischmann says.

The New Yorker

I was surprised when I received a call from Kofi Annan the following morning.

The Economist

Immediately, my credit card was frozen, and I received a call from the fraud hot line.

The New York Times

Yesterday, shortly after 1 P.M., I received a call from Barbara Santek.

The New Yorker

A few days later, when the painting was under way, I received a call from Clyde.

The New York Times

Later the same afternoon, however, I received a call from the Medicaid office.

The New Yorker

A few days later I received a call: could I meet Max at Sainsbury's in Surbiton?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I received a call" when you want to clearly and directly state that you were contacted by phone, often implying the call was expected or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "I received to call someone". The correct phrasing for initiating a call is "I made a call to someone" or "I called someone".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "I received a call" is to act as a statement of fact. It indicates that the speaker was the recipient of a phone call. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase used to introduce narratives or provide context for subsequent events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I received a call" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent expression used to indicate that one has been contacted via telephone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly within news and media contexts. While alternatives like "I got a call" exist, "I received a call" maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, be mindful of the distinction between "receiving" a call and "making" one, ensuring clarity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I got a call

This is a more informal and direct alternative, suitable for casual conversation.

I had a call

A slightly less direct way of saying the same thing, implying the call was an experience.

I was called

This is a passive construction focusing on the action of being called.

Someone called me

This shifts the focus to the caller, emphasizing their action.

I was contacted by phone

This is a more formal and specific way of saying it.

A call came in for me

This is a more indirect way of indicating that a call was received.

I was on the receiving end of a call

Emphasizes the recipient's role in the communication.

I picked up a call

Highlights the action of answering the call.

The phone rang and I answered

This is a more descriptive alternative focusing on the sequence of events.

I spoke to someone over the phone

Highlights that the call involved a conversation.

FAQs

What is the difference between "I received a call" and "I got a call"?

While both phrases mean the same thing, "I got a call" is generally considered more informal than "I received a call". The latter is suitable for more formal contexts.

What can I say instead of "I received a call" to sound more formal?

You can use phrases like "I was contacted by phone" or "I received communication via telephone" for a more formal tone.

Is it correct to say "I received a call from" someone?

Yes, it's perfectly correct and common to say "I received a call from [person's name/title]" to specify who contacted you.

How can I use "I received a call" in a sentence?

You can use "I received a call" to introduce a piece of information, for example: "I received a call this morning informing me about the meeting change."