I was mailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was mailed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was sent to you via mail or email. Example: "I was mailed a package containing the documents I requested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I was mailed two handsomely produced, color-photograph-bedecked guides, each 5 by 14 inches and each bearing about 30 recommendations for museums, restaurants, stores and bars.

The New York Times - Travel

I was mailed the first four volumes of Last Man as they were released over the course of 2015 and they sat in one of several piles of books, unlooked at for most of it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Once, when I was mailing a package from Ann Arbor to Whitefish, the postal clerk, a black man with whom I often joked, insisted that I had made a mistake on the address.

The New York Times

I haven't been able to talk to Donnie because of the time changes, but I am mailing him a letter, too.

The New York Times

'How did I get this in this state.' I like being busy, but every time when I'm mailing this person and I'm behind and saying I'm really busy, I feel bad about that.

TechCrunch

I am mailing you from India.

Huffington Post

Will I automatically be mailed a new card?

Duke University

After the photo is mailed I'll be sending checks to the charities.

TechCrunch

The original (i.e. the "test") surveys were mailed between January and March 2009.

BMC Health Services Research

I've been mailing friends copies of a book I worked on called Downton Tabby.

Huffington Post

This one has me completely stumped, so I would be mailing friends who might know something about Canadian law.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was mailed" when you want to emphasize that you were the passive recipient of something sent through the postal service. For greater clarity, specify what exactly was mailed (e.g., "I was mailed a package").

Common error

Avoid using "I was mailed" when referring to email communication; instead, use "I was emailed" or "I received an email". The term "mailed" typically implies physical mail through a postal service.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was mailed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ('I') received something through the postal system, with the action of mailing being performed by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms that it indicates something was sent via mail or email.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was mailed" is a grammatically correct, albeit infrequent, passive construction used to indicate that the speaker received something via postal mail. According to Ludwig, this usage is suitable for conveying receipt of an item through the postal system, though it's important to distinguish it from electronic communication (email). While considered neutral in register, it is advisable to ensure it fits the context. For more formal communication or when alternative phrasing is desired, consider options like "I received via mail" or "I was sent by post". Remember to not confuse it with e-mail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received via mail

Focuses on the action of receiving, specifying the method as mail.

I was sent by post

Highlights the sender's action of sending, indicating postal delivery.

I had it mailed to me

Emphasizes the speaker's request or arrangement for something to be mailed.

It was mailed to my address

Specifies the destination of the mailed item.

I obtained through the mail

Highlights the process of obtaining something specifically through the postal service.

I got it in the mail

A more casual way of saying something arrived through the mail.

It arrived by mail for me

Emphasizes the arrival and personal recipient.

I was a recipient of mail

Highlights the role of being a recipient of mail.

Mail was directed to me

Focuses on the direction of the mail towards the recipient.

I acquired through postal delivery

Emphasizes the acquisition method using postal services.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I was mailed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "I received via mail" or "I was sent by post". These options provide a more professional feel.

Is "I was mailed" the same as "I was emailed"?

No, "I was mailed" refers to something sent through the postal service, while "I was emailed" refers to something sent electronically. Use them accordingly to avoid confusion.

What's a simpler way to say "I was mailed"?

A simpler alternative is "I got it in the mail", which is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversation.

Can I use "I was mailed" in a business context?

Yes, "I was mailed" is appropriate in a business context when referring to physical documents or items sent via postal mail. For example, "I was mailed the contract for review".