sent a text

USAGE SUMMARY

"sent a text" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing an action that has been done in the past. For example: - She sent a text to her friend about their plans for the weekend. - He quickly sent a text to inform his boss that he would be late for work. - They both sent texts to their families to let them know they had arrived safely. In these examples, "sent a text" is used to describe the action of sending a written message via text message. It is commonly used when discussing communication through technology or when emphasizing the medium of communication.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

First, though, he sent a text to his wife.

The New York Times

"I've sent a text thanking him for that," Farrell said.

Independent

Finally, at 10 30, he sent a text message.

The New York Times

Afterward, he sent a text message to O'Neill.

The New York Times - Sports

At 6.15am, Clarke sent a text to Darren Lehmann.

The Guardian - Sport

A team spokesman sent a text message saying the team had reached the airport.

The New York Times - Sports

The following day, he sent a text message to Hussein which read: "Having major problem.

Independent

Later that day, Asha Rajaratnam sent a text message to Kumar's wife, Malvika.

The New Yorker

She sent a text, something about a play rehearsal, and then it hit her.

The New York Times

He sent a text message to Ron Matlin, the club's treasurer.

The New York Times - Sports

She e-mailed and sent a text to Mr. Whiting, demanding he take it down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context and formality. "Sent a text" is suitable for general use, but more formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "transmitted a message".

Common error

Avoid using "sent a text" repeatedly in formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms like "transmitted a message" or "messaged" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sent a text" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of sending a short message electronically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to describe this action. This phrase is widely understood and accepted in modern communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sent a text" is a common and correct phrase used to describe the action of sending a text message. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it’s widely accepted and understood. Its frequency and presence across various news sources highlight its relevance in modern communication. While versatile, it's important to consider the context; more formal alternatives like "transmitted a message" may be preferable in professional or academic settings. Despite being commonly used, remember to avoid overuse and vary your language for a more sophisticated writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

texted

Uses a verb form of "text" instead of the phrase "sent a text".

sent a message

Replaces "text" with the more general term "message".

messaged

Employs a verb form of "message" as a substitute for "sent a text".

transmitted a text

Uses the more formal word "transmitted" in place of "sent".

dispatched a text

Substitutes "sent" with the slightly more formal "dispatched".

pinged

Offers a more informal and concise alternative, suggesting a quick message.

dropped a text

Replaces "sent" with the more casual "dropped".

beamed a text

Uses the less common and slightly whimsical term "beamed".

shot off a text

Replaces "sent" with the informal "shot off".

conveyed a text message

Uses a more elaborate phrasing with "conveyed" and "text message".

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "sent a text"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "transmitted a message" or "conveyed a message" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it okay to use "sent a text" in academic writing?

While generally acceptable, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Depending on the context, "submitted a written communication" might be a more suitable option.

Can I use "sent a text" in business communications?

Yes, "sent a text" is suitable for internal business communications. However, for external communications or formal reports, consider alternatives like "transmitted information via SMS".

What's the difference between "sent a text" and "texted"?

"Sent a text" is a phrasal verb construction, while "texted" is the simple past tense of the verb "text". Both are generally interchangeable, but "texted" is often more concise and direct. For example, "I texted him" is the same as "I sent him a text".