I received something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I received something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that you have obtained or been given an item, information, or message. Example: "After waiting for weeks, I finally received something in the mail that I had been eagerly anticipating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Twenty minutes later, I received something unexpected — a call asking if everything was O.K. with my order.

The New York Times - Travel

I received something in the mail offering me a credit card and it said that I could stop receiving "prescreened offers of credit".

The New York Times

But in amongst all the usual hatemail I'm still getting from the electromagnetic hypersensitivity anti-phone-mast lobby, I received something this week that triggered, I freely admit, something deep inside me that I could only describe as a feeling.

The Guardian

The other day I received something awful in the mail – something worse than all the unwanted garbage that traditionally gets pushed through your letter flap (anthrax, repossession notices, flyers trying to sell you job lots of chicken wings, etc): The Pointless Book, the debut print release from English vlogger, Alfie Deyes.

Vice

The other day I received something awful in the mail something worse than all the unsolicited garbage that traditionally gets pushed through your door (anthrax, repossession notices, flyers trying to sell you lots of chicken wings, etc): The Pointless Book, the debut print release from English vlogger, Alfie Deyes.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I cannot say anything until I receive something from our superiors," he said.

The New York Times

Just when I think it's vainglorious to worry about overexposure, I receive something like reinforcement.

The New York Times - Books

As among the Jewish Israelis, wherever I go, I receive something I never expected, gratitude: "Thank you, thank you for coming".

The New York Times - Travel

Sign up Fromtimebestoof VICE, delivered timeour Inbox daily.

Vice

But when I have received something I do not deserve or have received by mistake, I also write -- and leave it up to the company to decide what to do.

The New York Times

But I know that myself I have received something from so many, practically from every film that I've seen, from every poet I have read, every dancer that I've seen dance, every musician.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I received something" when you want to clearly state that you were the recipient of an item, information, or message. Be specific about what you received later in the sentence for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I received something" without clarifying what "something" is. This can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "I received something that made my day", be specific: "I received a letter that made my day".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I received something" functions as a statement indicating that the speaker was the recipient of an unspecified item, piece of information, or message. As Ludwig AI highlights, this is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I received something" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to state that one has been given or obtained something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Although not particularly frequent, it's widely understood and suitable for various contexts, especially news and media. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clarify what "something" refers to, to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "I got something" or "I obtained something" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I obtained something

Uses a more formal verb, "obtained", to convey the same meaning of acquiring something.

I acquired something

Similar to "obtained", but can also imply effort or intention in acquiring something.

I got something

Employs a more informal verb, "got", to express the idea of receiving something.

Something was given to me

Shifts to a passive voice, emphasizing the object received rather than the act of receiving.

I was given something

Another passive construction, focusing on the speaker as the recipient.

Something came to me

Suggests a more unexpected or passive receiving of something.

I took delivery of something

Specifically refers to receiving a delivered item.

I was the recipient of something

A more formal and detached way of saying something was received.

I collected something

Implies gathering or picking up something, not necessarily being given it.

I picked up something

Similar to "collected", suggesting a casual or informal acquisition.

FAQs

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

You can use "I received something" followed by a description of what you received, such as, "I received something unexpected in the mail today" or "I received something helpful from my mentor".

What are some alternatives to "I received something"?

Alternatives include "I got something", "I obtained something", or "I was given something", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "I received something" formal or informal?

"I received something" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. More informal options include "I got something", while more formal options include "I acquired something".

What is the difference between "I received something" and "I obtained something"?

While both convey the idea of acquiring something, "I obtained something" often implies a more deliberate or effortful process of acquiring the item, whereas "I received something" simply means it was given to you.