we didn't receive

USAGE SUMMARY

"we didn't receive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you didn't get something that was expected, whether it be a package, a message, or something else. For example, "We didn't receive the package that was sent to us last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"But we didn't receive them.

The New York Times

"We didn't receive the guidance we should've.

The New York Times - Sports

"We didn't receive anything," he said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

We didn't receive any aid in Deir Ezzor.

The Guardian

Stewart opened up to the website about Lagerfeld's unique directing methods: "We didn't receive scripts.

Independent

"During the first period of the operation, we didn't receive many patients," Dell'Aira told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

We did not receive a response.

The Guardian

"We did not receive any notice," he said.

The New York Times

"We did not receive one complaint from the passengers.

The New York Times

We did not receive any warning, why did they do it?" he asked.

Independent

"We did not receive any compassion at all and not a hint of remorse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone needed. While "we didn't get" is acceptable in casual contexts, "we did not receive" offers a more formal alternative suited for professional communications.

Common error

Ensure the pronoun "we" is clear. If the recipient might not understand who "we" refers to, clarify by using a specific group name instead (e.g., "The marketing team didn't receive the updated data.").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we didn't receive" typically functions as a statement of non-receipt. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to indicate that something expected or anticipated was not obtained. Examples in the search results show various contexts in which this phrase is appropriately used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we didn't receive" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something was not obtained. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts but particularly prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business communications. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register can help writers use it effectively. Consider using alternatives like "we did not obtain" or "we didn't get" based on the desired level of formality and context. Ensure clarity by specifying what "we" refers to and what was not received. Avoiding ambiguity will ensure the message is clearly conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we didn't get

A more informal and direct way of saying that something was not received.

we have not obtained

Emphasizes the lack of attainment in a more formal tone.

we weren't sent

Focuses specifically on the act of sending and its failure.

we were not provided with

Highlights the lack of provision or supply of something.

it was not given to us

Focuses on the act of giving and the failure of that act.

we were denied

Indicates that something was actively withheld from us.

we lacked

Implies a deficiency or shortage of something.

we never acquired

Stresses the absence of acquisition.

we failed to secure

Highlights an attempt to obtain something that was unsuccessful.

we missed out on

Expresses a sense of loss because something wasn't received.

FAQs

What does "we didn't receive" mean?

The phrase "we didn't receive" means that a group of people did not get something that they expected or were supposed to get. For example, "we didn't receive the package" indicates that the package was not delivered.

How can I use "we didn't receive" in a sentence?

You can use "we didn't receive" to indicate a lack of something. For instance, "we didn't receive any feedback on our proposal," or "we didn't receive the memo about the meeting change."

What's a formal alternative to "we didn't receive"?

A more formal alternative to "we didn't receive" is "we did not receive". This phrasing is suitable for professional or academic contexts where a higher level of formality is required.

Which is correct: "we didn't receive" or "we don't receive"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "We didn't receive" indicates that something was not received in the past. "We don't receive" means that something is not received on a regular basis or in the present. The choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.