that I received

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that I received" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that was given or sent to you in the past. Example: "I wanted to thank you for the email that I received yesterday regarding the project update."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For that, I received numerous legal threats from the town hall.

Independent

In the wake of that, I received numerous threats.

Huffington Post

After that, I received a message from a random dude who is not a Facebook friend of mine.

Vice

"It's laughable that I received special treatment," she said.

The New York Times

"I'm about to read you the phrases that I received.

The New Yorker

It's that kind of briefing that I received early.

The New York Times

"The scope of anger and vitriol that I received initially..

The Guardian - Sport

The initial arguments that I received from Universal were not very convincing.

The New York Times

"I still can't believe the score that I received," Kim said.

The New York Times

You probably know that I received a prescription for the stimulant Benzedrine, or "speed".

The New Yorker

Doing that, it said, would ensure that I received all of the deductions that I deserved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that I received" when you want to clearly state that you were the recipient of something, whether it's a physical object, information, or an abstract concept. Ensure the context makes it clear what "that" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "that I received" without a clear reference for "that". Make sure the noun or idea you're referring to is explicitly mentioned in the preceding context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that I received" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun or pronoun. It specifies or provides additional information about something the speaker has obtained. This is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that I received" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. Ludwig AI validates this. It functions as a relative clause to provide more detail about something the speaker obtained, serving to specify or add context. While neutral in register, it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. For clarity, always ensure that "that" has a clear antecedent. For more formal alternatives, consider "which I obtained" or "that was conferred upon me". Alternatives are less formal such as the the one I got. Following these guidelines will help ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which I obtained

Replaces "received" with "obtained", focusing on the act of gaining possession.

which was given to me

Emphasizes the act of being given something, rather than the act of receiving.

what I was sent

Highlights the action of sending, suitable when the manner of delivery is relevant.

what came to me

Suggests a more passive reception, where the subject arrived without direct action.

that I was provided with

Focuses on the provision of something, emphasizing the supplier.

that was conferred upon me

Implies a formal or official granting of something.

which I secured

Highlights the effort or process involved in obtaining something.

what I accepted

Emphasizes the decision to take something offered.

what I took in

Can imply receiving information or an experience.

the one I got

A more informal and direct way of expressing receipt.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that I received" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "which I obtained", "that was conferred upon me", or "with which I was provided". These alternatives often add a layer of sophistication depending on the context. They all emphasize your reception of the item or information but in a more dignified manner.

Is there a difference between saying "that I received" and "what I received"?

While both are grammatically correct, "that I received" typically refers to a specific item or piece of information already mentioned or understood in context. "What I received" is more general and can introduce the item or information for the first time. For example: 'The letter "that I received" confirmed my appointment,' versus 'What I received was a confirmation of my appointment'.

What are some less formal alternatives to "that I received"?

In casual contexts, you can use phrases like "the one I got" or "what came to me". These options are simpler and more conversational while conveying the same basic meaning as "that I received".

How do I ensure clarity when using "that I received" in a sentence?

To avoid ambiguity, make sure the noun or idea "that" refers to is clearly defined in the immediate context. For example, instead of writing, "I appreciated that I received", specify, "I appreciated the gift "that I received"".