received back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "received back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the return of a physical item or the repayment of a loan. For example, "John received his security deposit back when he moved out of the apartment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The letter I received back was harrowing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, only 281 notarized responses were received back by Treasury.

The New York Times

Some of the workers received back wages, others were reinstated.

The New York Times

The protest had not been much better received back home.

The Guardian - Sport

Out of the 200 questionnaires sent out, 146 were received back representing a 73% response rate.

Procedia Manufacturing

Neither was sure how news of the meeting would be received back home.

The New York Times

It would then send information on how the records were being received back to the companies.

The New York Times

That occurred on Aug. 2, 1776, when formal copies were received back from calligraphers.

The New York Times

Echoes are then received back through fatty tissues that line their jaws.

The Guardian

Unite's Turner said no workers had yet received back pay from the company.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Seran Krikorian and Jackie Villasenor received back-to-back walks.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "received back" when you want to emphasize the act of getting something back after it was given, sent, or lost. For example, "I finally received back my package from the postal service."

Common error

Avoid using "return back" as it is redundant. The word "return" already implies going back. Use either "return" or "receive back", but not both together.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "received back" functions as a phrasal verb, where "received" is the main verb and "back" is an adverbial particle modifying its meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "received back" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the return of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates that something has been returned to its original sender or owner. Its prevalence across News & Media, Science, and Academia highlights its versatility. While generally neutral, it's wise to avoid redundancy by ensuring the context warrants both "received" and "back". When you use "received back", you underscore the action of retrieval, distinguishing it from simply "receiving" something new.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gotten back

Similar meaning, but uses "gotten" instead of "received".

obtained in return

More formal and emphasizes the act of acquiring something as a result of a previous action.

taken back

Focuses on the action of retrieving something previously given or sent.

recovered

Implies regaining something lost or taken away.

regained possession of

Formal and emphasizes the restoration of ownership or control.

had returned

Emphasizes the state of having something brought back.

been repaid

Specifically refers to the return of money or debt.

been refunded

Specifically refers to the return of money after a purchase.

reclaimed

Suggests a more forceful or assertive act of getting something back.

retrieved

Emphasizes the action of finding and bringing something back.

FAQs

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

You can use "received back" to indicate that something has been returned to you. For example, "I received back the book I lent to my friend" or "The company received back the faulty equipment".

What can I say instead of "received back"?

You can use alternatives like "gotten back", "obtained in return", or "taken back" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "received back"?

Yes, "received back" is grammatically correct and widely used. However, be mindful of potential redundancy. In some cases, using just "received" might be sufficient.

What is the difference between "received" and "received back"?

"Received" simply means to get something. "Received back" implies that something was previously given or sent and then returned. For instance, I "received" a gift, but I "received back" my keys after someone found them.