I received it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I received it" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has received an object or material, or has recently been given or presented with something. For example, "I received the package from the mailman this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While Stanford and MSCS left the information in the file I received, it was my mistake to not catch its inclusion and remove the data".

The New York Times

"I received it with disbelief.

The Guardian - Books

"I remember the day I received it.

The Guardian

(I received it in my inbox at lunchtime on Sunday).

The Economist

("If I received it, you can be sure that I read it, but I'm not sure I received it").

The New Yorker

I received it three or four years back.

The Guardian

I received it in the mail several days later.

The New York Times - Health

"How are they going to prove I received it?

The New York Times

The "gift of life" is indeed precious; I received it.

The New York Times - Health

It was my school prize: I received it when I left junior school.

Independent

I would lose my student loan almost as soon as I received it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I received it" when you want to clearly state that you were the recipient of something, whether it's a physical item, information, or an abstract concept. For clarity, specify from whom or how you received it, if relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "I received it" when you actually mean "I accepted it", particularly in the context of an offer or invitation. "Receive" simply means to get something, while "accept" implies agreement or willingness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I received it" functions as a declarative statement indicating that the speaker has obtained something. Ludwig examples show it being used to confirm the receipt of physical items, information, or abstract things like awards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I received it" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that you have obtained something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide usage across various contexts, from academic writing to news reports. While simple and direct, it's important to distinguish "receive" from "accept", using the latter when you wish to emphasize your willing acceptance of something. Remember that related phrases such as "I got it" or "it was given to me" can add nuance depending on your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I got it

Uses a more informal and common synonym for "received".

I obtained it

Replaces "received" with a more formal synonym, "obtained".

I accepted it

Highlights the acceptance aspect of receiving.

I picked it up

An informal way to say "I collected it".

I was sent it

Emphasizes the action of sending the item to the speaker.

I collected it

Suggests the speaker went to pick up the item.

I took delivery of it

Specifically refers to the act of taking something that was delivered.

It was delivered to me

Similar to "It was given to me" but specifies delivery.

It was given to me

Shifts the focus to the giver rather than the receiver; uses passive voice.

It came into my possession

A more formal and descriptive way of saying "I received it".

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I received it"?

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

Is it correct to say "I have received it" instead of "I received it"?

Yes, "I have received it" is also correct. It uses the present perfect tense, which emphasizes that the action of receiving is completed and has relevance to the present. "I received it" uses the simple past tense, focusing on the action in the past.

When should I use "I received it" versus "I will receive it"?

"I received it" refers to something you already obtained in the past. "I will receive it" refers to something you expect to obtain in the future.

What's the difference between "I received it" and "I accepted it"?

"I received it" simply means you took possession of something. "I accepted it" means you willingly took something offered, implying consent or agreement.