had an update

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had an update" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to receiving or providing new information or changes regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "I had an update from the project manager about the timeline for the deliverables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He had an update for that assessment yesterday.

The New York Times

I just had an update on Aisha Parveen.

The New York Times

He had an update on Santana, and it was not positive.

The New York Times - Sports

"I saw the players coming off but I have not had an update," Sherwood said of the latter duo.

Independent

Still, users have complained that the original app is a bit buggy, although the company had an update in December.

The New York Times

Finally, we had an update from lonelybloomer, who has finished Infinite Jest – and we loved their response to it: Thank you The Guardian team for believing in me – indeed, I have finished Infinite Jest! Would I recommend it to people?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The app also had an updated "Service Advisories" feature, letting me know which stops might be closed.

The New York Times - Tech

Murphy had an updated will and trust, explaining that she wanted her assets left to her mother, not her husband.

Forbes

Of 13 070 GIs that were not marked as 'LIVE', 8530 GIs had an updated GI and 4540 did not have updated GIs.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

I shall have an update later today".

The Guardian

Belichick did not have an update on Welker's status.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had an update", ensure the context clearly indicates what was updated and why it matters to the audience. Providing specific details adds clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "had an update" without specifying the subject of the update. For example, instead of saying "I had an update", specify "I had an update on the project timeline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had an update" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the reception or possession of new or modified information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples show its application in contexts ranging from personal news to software updates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had an update" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the receipt of new information. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applicability spans across various contexts, primarily in news and media and science. To maximize clarity, it's crucial to specify the subject of the update to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "received new information" or "was briefed on developments" for more formal settings. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received new information

Focuses on the reception of new details, omitting the implication of a previous state.

got the latest news

Highlights receiving the most current information, adding an element of timeliness.

found out about the updates

Simple phrasing that emphasizes the act of discovering or learning.

was informed of changes

Emphasizes being notified about alterations or modifications.

learned about recent modifications

Focuses on the act of learning about changes that have been made.

obtained an updated report

Specifies the type of information received as a formal report.

was briefed on developments

Implies a formal briefing session regarding ongoing progress.

was given the most recent data

Emphasizes receiving the newest set of data or statistics.

acquired updated intelligence

Highlights gathering current intelligence, often in a secretive or strategic context.

was apprised of the current situation

Implies formal communication of the present circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "had an update" in a sentence?

You can use "had an update" to indicate receiving new information. For example: "He "had an update" on Santana, and it was not positive."

What's a more formal alternative to "had an update"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "received new information", "obtained an updated report", or "was briefed on developments" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "got an update" instead of "had an update"?

Yes, "got an update" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "had an update". Both phrases are commonly used to indicate receiving new information.

How do I avoid being vague when using "had an update"?

Always specify what the update pertains to. Instead of saying "I "had an update"", say "I had an update on the project status" or "I "had an update" from the doctor about my test results".