just received word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just received word" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has recently been informed or told something. Example: "I just received word that our flight has been delayed by two hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Now, in mid-October, we have just received word of a promised shipment early next month.

The New York Times

Do they really look as if they had just received word that their nation had won a great war?

The New York Times

IN THE SEATS Seven employees of KHQ/LF USA, a garment district children's clothing company, five of whom had just received word they were being laid off.

The New York Times

He said he had just received word from researchers in Mexico that the storm had left monarchs dead everywhere, including at their roosts in the trees.

The New York Times

The department and Gov. George E. Pataki's office said this afternoon that they had just received word of the ruling and had no immediate comment on it.

The New York Times

Its characteristic physical restlessness can be seen in an audience waiting for a late-starting program to begin or among citizens who have just received word of an assassination attempt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

She merely "received word".

Huffington Post

At the same moment that the race director called for the safety car to be deployed to allow track marshals to tend to the burning vehicle, a slow-moving utility vehicle took to the track down the straight ahead of the racing cars just as they received word on the safety car.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are willing to co-operate with the authorities in this inquiry," the company said in a statement, adding that it had only just received official word of the "specific nature" of the investigation.

BBC

We've just received official word from Google confirming that they are not currently blocked in China and that a server issue was most likely the cause of their dashboard misread.

TechCrunch

One last example from the very recent past: Just before Christmas, we received word that the U.N. Security Council would consider a resolution on Israeli settlements.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just received word" when you want to emphasize the recency and often the unexpected nature of the information you are conveying. It is effective in news reporting or when sharing timely updates.

Common error

While "heard" indicates general auditory perception of information, "just received word" implies a more direct and often official communication. Opt for the latter when the information comes from a specific source or has a degree of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just received word" functions as an introductory element within a sentence, indicating the speaker or writer has recently obtained specific information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce new information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just received word" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the recent acquisition of information, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily to introduce news or updates, conveying a sense of immediacy and relevance. While suitable for neutral registers, it is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. Remember to consider the level of formality required when choosing between "just received word" and more casual alternatives like "just heard" or more formal options such as "was just notified".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just been informed

Focuses on the act of informing rather than the message itself.

just learned

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge more generally.

i've just been told

Highlights the act of being told something by someone else.

just found out

Implies discovery of information, potentially unexpected.

was just notified

Highlights the formal process of notification.

just heard

A more casual and general way to indicate receiving information.

just got wind of

Suggests receiving information through informal channels or rumors.

recently discovered

Focuses on the timing of the discovery.

it has just come to my attention

A more formal way to indicate receiving new information, often implying a delay in awareness.

I'm now aware

Emphasizes the current state of awareness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "just received word" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives like "was just notified" or "it has just come to my attention", which imply a formal communication process.

What's a more casual way to say "just received word"?

More casual alternatives include "just heard" or "just found out", which are suitable for informal conversations or writing.

When is it appropriate to use "just received word" in writing?

Use "just received word" when you want to emphasize the immediacy and often the official nature of the information. It's fitting for news updates, formal announcements, or when conveying time-sensitive information.

What's the difference between "just received word" and "just learned"?

"Just learned" ("just learned") implies acquiring general knowledge, while "just received word" specifically means being informed of something, often from a particular source or communication. The former is broader, and the latter is more direct and timely.