I received a message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I received a message" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when informing someone that you have gotten a communication or notification from another person or source. Example: "After checking my phone, I realized I received a message from my colleague about the meeting time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But a month later I received a message warning of an impending bill of £2,987.76.

The Guardian - Money

A week ago I received a message from Janet DeNeefe, director of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few days later, I received a message from Winger.

The New York Times - Magazine

Immediately I received a message from Disney: 'Remove the tweet!

Independent

"I received a message on my phone," Williams remembers.

The Guardian - Sport

"I received a message, I saw him for an hour and left" she said.

Independent

Later, I received a message from her saying, "I missed you at my wedding".

The New York Times

Then, nine years ago, I received a message on my answerphone: "Ronno!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A week later, I received a message letting me know that the company had ceased trading.

The Guardian - Money

Just four days after my appeal went live, I received a message from a woman called Rafidah in Kuala Lumpur.

Independent

I received a message saying the maps on my car's add-on GPS unit are out of date.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I received a message", ensure the context clearly indicates the method of communication (e.g., text, email, phone call) if it's not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions when a more direct statement is clearer. Instead of "A message was received by me", use the active voice: "I received a message".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I received a message" functions as a statement of fact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It primarily communicates the act of being notified or contacted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I received a message" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for reporting that you were contacted. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "I got a message", the choice depends on the desired level of formality. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, highlighting its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I got a message

More informal alternative using "got" instead of "received".

I was sent a message

Focuses on the sender's action of sending the message.

A message was sent to me

Passive voice construction, emphasizing the message rather than the receiver.

I had a message

Suggests possession of the message, less direct than "received".

I obtained a message

More formal alternative using "obtained" instead of "received".

I was notified

Focuses on the act of being informed, rather than the message itself.

I heard back

Implies a response to a previous communication.

Word reached me

More figurative and indirect way of saying "I received a message".

I picked up a message

Informal alternative suggesting retrieval of the message.

A communication reached me

Formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I received a message"?

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

Is "I received a message" formal or informal?

The phrase "I received a message" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both professional and casual contexts. However, alternatives like "I obtained a message" can sound more formal.

How to use "I received a message" in a sentence?

You can use "I received a message" to report that you were contacted. For example, "I received a message this morning confirming the appointment".

What's the difference between "I received a message" and "I got a message"?

The difference between "I received a message" and "I got a message" is subtle. "I received a message" is slightly more formal, while "I got a message" is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversation.