once he received

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once he received" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action will take place after a specific event of receiving something has occurred. Example: "Once he received the package, he immediately opened it to see what was inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

When I was with him once he received a letter from his son.

The Guardian - Books

Once he received the injection, she thought, he would be safe from the disease for the rest of his life.

The Guardian

Once he received it he used his time to lobby for closer trade ties between the European Union (EU) and Ukraine.

The Economist

Once he received tenure at Harvard, he shifted his attention from theory to practice, traveling extensively to advise countries in economic crisis.

The New York Times

In one of these books' most telltale and poignant details, we learn that once he received his knighthood, Coward stopped writing in his diaries.

The New York Times - Style

Throughout this race, his accessibility to voters — and journalists — has gradually declined, particularly once he received Secret Service protection last spring.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Once he receives it, he has three days to make a decision.

The New York Times

Once he receives a green card, he could be eligible for food stamps.

The New York Times

Once he receives his pension he has to be vigilant to not be attacked and have his money stolen.

The Guardian

Once he receives the bill, he has five days to veto it, or it becomes law, with or without his signature.

The New York Times

Once he receives a faxed, signed document, he scans it into his computer and sends it to multiple individuals as an e-mail attachment.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "once he received", ensure the subsequent clause describes the immediate or logical consequence of that receipt. This maintains clarity and strengthens the cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "once he received" if the subsequent action isn't directly linked to the act of receiving. Ensure a clear cause-and-effect relationship to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once he received" functions as a temporal connector, introducing a dependent clause that specifies the condition that must be met before the main clause action can occur. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "once he received" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that an action or event follows the receipt of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a temporal connector, establishing a clear chronological sequence and cause-and-effect relationship. While suitable for various contexts, it's frequently found in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the subsequent clause describes the immediate or logical consequence of receiving something to maintain clarity. Be mindful that alternatives like "after he obtained" or "upon getting" can offer subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after he obtained

Emphasizes the act of getting or acquiring something, suggesting a more active role in the receiving process.

following his receipt of

More formal and emphasizes the official act of receiving something, such as a document or award.

upon getting

Slightly more informal, highlighting the moment of acquisition as the trigger for the next action.

on receipt of

Formal and concise, focusing solely on the act of receiving as the condition for what follows.

when he acquired

Focuses on the process of acquiring, implying effort or intention in obtaining something.

subsequent to receiving

Highly formal, emphasizing the temporal sequence with a strong sense of order.

after acceptance of

Highlights the act of accepting something as the condition for the next step.

with the reception of

Focuses on the act of receiving, often used when the manner of receiving is important.

having been given

Passive voice construction, emphasizing the act of being given something rather than the act of receiving.

once in receipt of

Formal and emphasizes the state of possessing something after it has been received.

FAQs

How can I use "once he received" in a sentence?

Use "once he received" to indicate that an action occurs immediately or shortly after someone has obtained something. For example, "Once he received the package, he opened it immediately."

What can I say instead of "once he received"?

You can use alternatives like "after he obtained", "upon getting", or "following his receipt of", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "when he received" instead of "once he received"?

While "when he received" is grammatically correct, "once he received" often implies a more immediate or direct consequence of the act of receiving. The choice depends on the intended nuance of the sentence.

What's the difference between "after he received" and "once he received"?

"After he received" simply indicates a sequence of events, while "once he received" suggests that the action in the main clause is dependent on, or triggered by, the receipt. The subtle difference lies in the causal relationship.