I received word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I received word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey that you have been informed or notified about something, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "I received word from the committee that our proposal has been approved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"But if I received word of any split, I think it would be squashed pretty quickly".

Independent

On Thursday, I received word that the criminal case against my ex is being dismissed.

The Guardian - Opinion

I received word from plant management that all workers should leave except for critical plant personnel like myself.

The New York Times

Then a few weeks ago, during a rather unpleasant procedure to extract bone marrow for testing, I received word that I would interview President Obama the next day.

The New York Times

I was holed up on the Fox lot in Century City, working on some Simpsons nonsense, when I received word that the great man was eating lunch nearby.

The Guardian - Books

In a statement last night, Pamuk said: "I received word that I had been awarded the Nobel prize early this morning by telephone.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

From time to time I received word-of-mouth reporting of communal discontent with a court ruling, but it became clear over time this was not a vote of no confidence for the system itself — or even the judges — but discontent with insurgent commanders who had overstepped their bounds to influence decisions.

The New York Times

I can readily recall what I was doing when I first received word that a plane had flown into one of the Twin Towers.

Huffington Post

I just received word from @usatf that I have been left off the #Beijing2015 team.

Huffington Post

In the last day, I have received word of a number of Brother Ray-related products coming out in the months between now and the somewhat arbitrary five-year anniversary of his death, in June of this year.

The New Yorker

But I just received word via an internal HP memo that the company plans on launching a new U.S. Home & Home Office consumer store at the end of March.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrases like "I was informed" or "I heard" if you aim for a more direct or informal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "I received word" in casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler phrase like "I heard" or "I found out" would be more appropriate. Using overly formal language can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I received word" functions as a statement indicating that the speaker has been informed or notified of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It often introduces a piece of news or information, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I received word" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys the receipt of information or news. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. Its formality ranges from neutral to slightly formal, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly news and media. While alternatives like "I heard" exist, "I received word" lends a slightly more official or serious tone. When using it, remember to consider your audience and adjust the tone accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was informed

A more direct and slightly less formal way of saying you were notified.

I was notified

Similar to "I was informed" but emphasizes the official nature of the communication.

I learned

A simpler way to express gaining knowledge or information about something.

I was told

Indicates receiving information from a specific source.

I heard

Indicates receiving information, often through informal channels.

I got the message

Suggests receiving and understanding a communication, often implying an implicit meaning.

Word reached me

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying you received information.

News arrived

Emphasizes the arrival of news or information.

I gathered

Suggests inferring or deducing information, rather than receiving it directly.

I ascertained

Implies discovering something through investigation or inquiry.

FAQs

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

You can use "I received word" to indicate that you have been informed or notified about something, typically in a formal or serious context. For example: "I received word that the meeting has been postponed".

What's a more informal alternative to "I received word"?

More informal alternatives to "I received word" include phrases like "I heard", "I found out", or "I got the news". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "I received words" instead of "I received word"?

While grammatically possible, "I received words" is less common and usually refers to receiving specific spoken or written language, often implying a message or communication. "I received word" is generally used to indicate receiving information or news.

What is the difference between "I received word" and "I was informed"?

"I received word" and ""I was informed"" are similar, but "I received word" often implies a more indirect or less official communication. ""I was informed"" suggests a direct and often formal notification.