gets sent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets sent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrasal verb that means something or someone is being sent to a particular destination or recipient. Example: The package finally gets sent out for delivery after a week of delay.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"A message gets sent".

The New York Times

That signal gets sent to the brain.

The Economist

The seller gets sent away for 25 years.

The New York Times

"I feel bad when anyone gets sent down".

The New York Times

It gets sent around and gets a broader audience".

The New York Times

These days, Sally Phillips gets sent a lot of cougars.

The Guardian

He is stopped from pursuing his objectives and gets sent away from the Holy See".

The New York Times

He apparently gets sent a lot of lion blood in the post".

The New Yorker

Even if a bill gets sent, who's going to chase it up?

Independent

He gets sent a lot of pictures of penises along the way.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A hefty wedge of British-caught shellfish gets sent abroad to hungry European markets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gets sent", ensure the subject receiving the action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The email gets sent to the marketing team" is clearer than "It gets sent."

Common error

Avoid using "get sent" instead of "gets sent" when the subject is singular. For example, it should be "The message gets sent", not "The message get sent".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gets sent" is to form a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the performer. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gets sent" functions as a passive construction denoting the action of dispatching or transmitting something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for various scenarios, being mindful of subject-verb agreement is essential. For alternative expressions, consider options like "is dispatched", "is forwarded", or "is transmitted" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is dispatched

Focuses on the act of sending something, often in a formal or official context.

is forwarded

Implies sending something onward to a further destination.

is transmitted

Suggests sending information or signals, often electronically.

is directed

Indicates that someone or something is guided or steered towards a destination.

is routed

Similar to 'directed', often used when referring to networks or systems.

is conveyed

Suggests that a message or information is communicated or transported.

is shipped

Specifically refers to sending physical goods or items.

is mailed

Implies sending something via postal service.

is beamed

Suggests sending a signal, often used for futuristic or technology-related contexts.

is transferred

Indicates a movement from one place or person to another.

FAQs

How to use "gets sent" in a sentence?

"Gets sent" is used in the passive voice to indicate that something is being dispatched or transmitted to a destination. For example, "The package "gets sent" after processing".

What can I say instead of "gets sent"?

You can use alternatives like "is dispatched", "is forwarded", or "is transmitted" depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it correct to say "get sent" instead of "gets sent"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "gets sent" for singular subjects (e.g., the letter gets sent) and "get sent" for plural subjects (e.g., the letters get sent).

What is the difference between "gets sent" and "is sent"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "is sent" is a more formal and direct passive voice. "Gets sent" is more conversational and implies a process or action leading to the sending.