Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
submissions were received
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "submissions were received" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that entries or documents have been collected or accepted, often in relation to competitions, applications, or feedback. Example: "After the deadline, we can confirm that all submissions were received and are currently under review."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(16)
documents have been obtained
comments were received
booklets were received
documents were received
paperwork was accepted
reports were received
materials were collected
documents were removed
documents were recovered
papers were received
documents were retrieved
recommendations were received
files were submitted
records were delivered
documentation has arrived
suggestions were collected
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
28 human-written examples
No viable submissions were received.
Encyclopedias
Almost 700 submissions were received.
News & Media
Submissions were received from throughout the world.
News & Media
"A total of 80 submissions were received," a TGA spokeswoman told Guardian Australia.
News & Media
Nearly 4,000 submissions were received, and 75,000 people participated in the process.
News & Media
More than 600 submissions were received by workers in an outreach effort coordinated by the Victorian Trades Hall.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
32 human-written examples
The territorial ambiguity could continue for decades, even after all of the submissions are received.
News & Media
Thousands of submissions are received each year from more than 80 countries, in 1,500 different categories, covering wines, spirits and liqueurs.
News & Media
All submissions are received via autogenerated e-mail to the curators, and variant updates are added to the database quarterly.
Science
Solutions will be emailed to the students as soon as the homework submission is received.
When a new submission is received, it is assigned to a primary editor, who reads the paper, consults with the other editors, and decides whether it should be sent for peer review based on the editorial criteria of the journal of novelty and significance.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "submissions were received" when you want to emphasize the action of receiving and collecting, rather than the act of submitting.
Common error
Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "submissions were received" if an active voice alternative is more direct and clear. For example, consider "we received the submissions" for a more active tone.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "submissions were received" primarily functions as a passive construction indicating the completion of a receiving action. As shown by Ludwig, this construction is often used to report the status of entries or documents in various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
37%
Science
34%
Academia
16%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Encyclopedias
3%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "submissions were received" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that indicates a collection process has been completed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts such as news, science, and academia. While it is often appropriate, it's important to consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct. Consider alternatives like "entries were submitted" for a more active voice. Overall, this phrase serves to provide factual updates on the receipt of submissions in various settings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Entries were submitted
Focuses on the action of submitting rather than the receiving.
Applications were collected
Emphasizes the gathering of applications.
Proposals were accepted
Highlights the acceptance of formal proposals.
Entries were gathered
Implies a more active collection process.
Responses were obtained
Focuses on acquiring responses or feedback.
Materials were handed in
A more informal way of saying items were submitted.
Documents were filed
Specifically refers to the formal filing of documents.
Nominations were registered
Highlights the formal registration of nominations.
Submittals were logged
Focuses on the act of logging or recording submissions.
Contributions were provided
Emphasizes the act of providing or contributing materials.
FAQs
How to use "submissions were received" in a sentence?
You can use "submissions were received" to indicate that entries or documents have been collected or accepted. For example: "After the deadline, we can confirm that all submissions were received and are currently under review."
What can I say instead of "submissions were received"?
You can use alternatives like "entries were submitted", "applications were collected", or "proposals were accepted" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "submissions were received" or "submissions are received"?
"Submissions were received" indicates a past action (the submissions have already been received), while "submissions are received" indicates a present or ongoing action (submissions are currently being received). The correct choice depends on the context.
What's the difference between "submissions were received" and "we received submissions"?
"Submissions were received" uses a passive voice, focusing on the submissions. "We received submissions" uses an active voice, emphasizing who received them. The active voice is often more direct and clearer.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested