we actually received

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we actually received" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the fact that something was received, often in contrast to expectations or assumptions. Example: "After weeks of waiting, we actually received the package we ordered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We were sold luxury, opulence, and big time New York City living, when what we actually received was quite the opposite.

Forbes

We actually received the same memo — which we're copying below — but worried that it was an April Fool's joke and have been holding out for more details.

TechCrunch

"So, if you look at some of the events in Chartlottesville, for example, in recent weeks, we actually received Snaps from members of our community of the driver being arrested.

BBC

We started the process of requesting the drug 14 days before we actually received it.

Huffington Post

We actually received a completed Scene 3 before we had written Scene 2. We learned how to work around this, and we didn't have much difficulty putting things in the right order once we had written the missing scenes. .

Huffington Post

While we were secretly (or not so secretly) hoping for a few people to say "no" to keep our guest list manageable, it was somewhat disappointing when we actually received "nos". When mentioning this to a recently married friend, she said that on my big day, I wouldn't think – for a second – about the people who couldn't make it.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"To adequately study the Himalayan glaciers, we need thirty to forty times more money than we actually receive," A. L. Ramanathan, a glaciologist at Jawaharlal Nehru University, who oversaw our expedition, told me.

The New Yorker

Interestingly, the biggest spike in dopamine occurs not when we actually receive a reward, but when we anticipate receiving one.

Forbes

In other countries, like the Netherlands for example, we actually receive a higher percentage of applications from women than the percentage of women scientists in that country.

Science Magazine

When we give, we actually receive.

HuffPost

"We're spending more money per child than we actually receive from the state," she said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we actually received" to emphasize that something was obtained, especially when there might have been doubt or expectation to the contrary. For instance, "Despite the delays, we actually received the shipment today."

Common error

Avoid overuse of "actually" as it can weaken the impact of your statement. If the fact of receiving something is already clear, the word "actually" can be redundant. For example, instead of "We actually received the payment", simply say "We received the payment" if the context already implies it was expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we actually received" functions as a declarative statement, emphasizing the act of receiving something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples show it used to highlight the fact of receiving, sometimes against expectations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we actually received" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to emphasize the act of receiving something, often in contrast to expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts. Remember to avoid overuse of "actually" to maintain the impact of your writing. Related phrases like "we truly obtained" and "we indeed received" can provide variety. Be mindful of context to ensure the phrase adds value rather than redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we truly obtained

Replaces "actually received" with "truly obtained", emphasizing the genuineness of the acquisition.

we genuinely got

Substitutes "actually received" with "genuinely got", highlighting the authenticity of the reception.

we really did receive

Adds emphasis to the receiving action using "really did", stressing that it happened.

we, in fact, received

Replaces "actually" with "in fact", providing a more formal confirmation of the receipt.

we literally received

Emphasizes the reception by using "literally", indicating that it undeniably happened.

we undeniably received

Substitutes with "undeniably received", suggesting that the receipt is not open to dispute.

we veritably received

Offers a formal alternative using "veritably", underscoring the truthfulness of the receipt.

we indeed received

Replaces "actually" with "indeed", conveying a sense of confirmation and affirmation.

it turned out we received

Shifts the focus to the unexpected nature of receiving something.

surprisingly, we received

Explicitly highlights the element of surprise associated with the act of receiving.

FAQs

How can I use "we actually received" in a sentence?

Use "we actually received" to emphasize that you obtained something, often in contrast to expectations. For example, "Despite the initial issues, "we actually received" the correct order."

What are some alternatives to "we actually received"?

You can use alternatives like "we truly obtained", "we genuinely got", or "we indeed received" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "actually" in "we actually received"?

In some cases, yes. If the context already implies the receipt of something, "actually" might be unnecessary. However, it can be useful for emphasis or to counter a previous assumption.

What's the difference between "we received" and "we actually received"?

"We received" is a simple statement of fact. "We actually received" adds emphasis, often suggesting surprise or that the receipt was uncertain.