I received them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I received them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when confirming the receipt of items, messages, or information. Example: "After checking my inbox, I can confirm that I received them this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I went looking for special instructions and I received them.

The Guardian - Film

I forwarded the documents to the company adjuster the day I received them from you.

The New York Times

"The forms were sent 'expedited' post in the end, and I received them yesterday.

The Guardian

"I have only been able to look at them a few times [since] the night I received them," he wrote to me in an e-mail.

The New York Times - Magazine

Speaking of the Egyptian population, he said, "They lived — they were 43 million when I received them and 90 million when I handed them over".

The New York Times

It took him only one day to complete the job before sending back the videotape, the DVD and the original canisters of film via weekday overnight shipping on a Friday, which meant I received them on Monday.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A total of 17.6% of patients on ACE-I received them, whilst 82.3% did not.

Critical Care

I receive them in Mexico City and take them anywhere in Mexico".

The New York Times

It has been my tradition to decline their invitations after I receive them and to send a card with a warm note to the couple closer to the date of the event.

The New York Times

He read aloud from a letter from her lawyer, Robert M. Casale, dated April 7. "I forward materials to you as I receive them and because Mrs. Rowland wants to oblige your desire to rummage through her personal life," the letter said.

The New York Times

Normally I receive them every Wednesday after my column in the Israeli daily newspaper, the Jerusalem Post, is read by the rightwing proponents of West Bank settlements and supporters of hardline retaliation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I received them", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "them" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the items or information received.

Common error

Avoid using "I received them" without a clear antecedent for "them". This can confuse the reader and force them to guess what you're referring to. Always specify what you received to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I received them" functions as a statement of fact, indicating that the speaker or writer has obtained possession of something. This aligns with examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase confirms the receipt of items, documents, or information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I received them" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for confirming the receipt of items or information. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and general communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the reference to "them" is clear to avoid ambiguity. More casual phrases like "I got them" can be used in informal settings, while "I received them" maintains a neutral to slightly formal tone. The phrase appears frequently in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its widespread acceptance and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I got them

Uses a more informal verb ("got") instead of "received".

They were given to me

Changes the active voice to passive voice and reorders the sentence.

They were handed to me

Highlights the act of someone physically giving the items.

I took delivery of them

More formal and emphasizes the act of accepting a delivery.

I accepted them

Focuses on the agreement to take something.

I acquired them

Focuses on the act of obtaining possession.

I picked them up

More casual and suggests physical retrieval.

They came into my possession

Emphasizes the change of ownership.

The items arrived

Emphasizes the arrival of the items with no reference to 'I'.

I collected them

Suggests gathering items together.

FAQs

What does "I received them" mean?

The phrase "I received them" means that you have taken delivery or been given something. It implies that something was sent or given to you, and it is now in your possession.

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

You can use alternatives like "I got them", "they were given to me", or "I acquired them" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "I received them" or "I got them"?

"I received them" is generally considered more formal than "I got them". Use "I received them" in professional or official communication.

When should I use "I received them" instead of "I will receive them"?

Use "I received them" when you are talking about something that you have already taken into your possession. Use "I will receive them" when you are talking about something that you expect to get in the future.