probably received

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probably received" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express uncertainty about whether something was received or not. Example: "The package was supposed to arrive yesterday, so it has probably received the delivery confirmation by now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She probably received round-the-clock care, Dr. Martin concluded.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Brom said that Israel had also "probably" received uranium from South Africa.

The New York Times

The woman and her fiancé probably received that treatment because she was Muslim, he said.

The New York Times

He probably received the education in military arts normal for a young man of rank.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Abate probably received early training from his father, the stuccoist Giovanni dell'Abate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He probably received his early artistic training in Strasbourg before entering Albrecht Dürer's workshop in Nürnberg about 1503.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prosecutors said he probably received his fatal injuries during his capture, but lawyers for the Seals denied it.

The New York Times

The public has probably received the most vivid warnings about the misuse of surveillance from the movies.

The New York Times - Arts

He moved with his family to Leuven in 1726 and probably received his first musical education from Abbé Dieudonné Raick, then organist at the Church of St. Peter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the school he apparently gained a firm command of Latin but probably received no more than a smattering of arithmetic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His father, Lambert, of Flemish origin, was active mainly in Italy, at Venice and Padua, where Federico probably received his early training under his father.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "probably received" when you want to express that something was likely received, but you are not entirely certain. This phrase is suitable for various contexts where a degree of uncertainty is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "probably received" when you have concrete evidence that something was indeed received. In such cases, use stronger and more definitive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably received" functions as a qualifying verb phrase. It modifies the verb "received" by adding an element of probability or likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to express uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "probably received" is a versatile phrase used to express likelihood or possibility regarding the act of receiving something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across a wide range of contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, although its precise tone depends on the surrounding language. As the data provided to Ludwig shows, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating certainty and consider alternatives like "likely obtained" or "presumably got" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely obtained

Replaces "received" with "obtained", suggesting a slightly more active acquisition.

presumably accepted

Replaces "probably" with "presumably" suggesting an assumption, and "received" with "accepted".

most likely acquired

Emphasizes the high probability with "most likely" and replaces "received" with "acquired".

presumably got

Substitutes "probably" with "presumably" and "received" with the more informal "got".

possibly accepted

Replaces "probably" with "possibly" and "received" with "accepted", focusing on the act of acceptance.

may have gotten

Uses "may have" to express possibility, and "gotten" as an informal alternative to "received".

is thought to have received

Emphasizes the perception or belief that someone received something.

conceivably gained

Suggests a more theoretical possibility using "conceivably" and replaces "received" with "gained".

one might assume they received

Introduces a degree of speculation and distance, softening the assertion.

expected to receive

Shifts the focus to expectation rather than probability, implying anticipation of receiving.

FAQs

How can I use "probably received" in a sentence?

You can use "probably received" to indicate a likely reception, such as, "She "probably received" the email by now" or "The package "probably received" some damage during transit".

What are some alternatives to "probably received"?

Alternatives include phrases like "likely obtained", "presumably got", or "most likely acquired", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "probably received" formal or informal?

"Probably received" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

What's the difference between "probably received" and "certainly received"?

"Probably received" indicates uncertainty or a strong likelihood, whereas "certainly received" asserts a definite reception without doubt. The choice depends on the level of confidence you have in the reception having occurred.