we started receiving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we started receiving" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the beginning of a process of receiving some kind of goods or information. For example: "We started receiving calls from disgruntled customers when the product was released."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

We swapped positions and in two hours we started receiving incoming rockets and mortars without exception.

The New York Times

"We started receiving the same answers from the Malaysian government, the airline, just repeating the same thing," he says.

The Guardian

So we started receiving information through our phones, and watching TV on our phones, the Weather Channel.

The New Yorker

We had press in front of our house, we started receiving horrible letters, and then came the detailed death threats.

Independent

Very quickly, we started receiving calls from universities and councils across the country asking how they could get their own ScratchBikes.

The Guardian

It wasn't long before we started receiving the segments that our new parent company said we had to air during our local news broadcasts.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Let's say all of a sudden we start receiving a new signature from a country that we were unaware possessed a particular technology.

Science Magazine

He adds that AMRA will be able to provide more detail on this matter "once we start receiving usage files from the services".

TechCrunch

"We immediately started receiving e-mails" about members' frustrations, he said.

The New York Times

"We just started receiving the same rations," said Col. Valentino Tokmac, a former southern guerrilla fighter.

The New York Times

"We had started receiving calls and emails pleading with us to do something [about the zoos]," Wiseman told VICE News.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we started receiving", ensure the context clearly indicates what "we" refers to and what is being received. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we started receiving" when the action of receiving has already concluded. This phrase implies an ongoing process from a specific starting point; use "we received" if the receiving is complete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase ""we started receiving"" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. According to Ludwig, this is a common and correct construction in English, used to express the initiation of a reception process. The examples show its use across various contexts, from receiving information to physical items.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, ""we started receiving"" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the beginning of a reception process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral in tone, its precise application depends on context, and users should be mindful of its implied ongoing nature. Alternative phrases like "we began to receive" or "we commenced receiving" can add formality if needed. Overall, ""we started receiving"" effectively communicates the initiation of receiving, provided clarity is maintained regarding the subject and object of the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we began to receive

This alternative replaces "started" with "began", which is a more formal synonym, indicating a subtle shift in tone.

we have started to receive

Using the present perfect tense emphasizes the ongoing relevance or impact of having started to receive something.

we commenced receiving

Replacing "started" with "commenced" elevates the formality further, suitable for official or business contexts.

we had started receiving

Employing the past perfect tense indicates that the receiving began before another point in the past, adding a layer of sequence.

we initiated receipt of

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the action of initiating the receipt, often used in technical or official documentation.

we were now receiving

This alternative shifts the focus to the state of receiving, highlighting that the action is ongoing from a specific point.

receipts began for us

This option changes the structure to focus on the receipts themselves beginning, rather than the action of receiving.

we were getting

A less formal option, "we were getting" indicates the process of receiving in a more casual context.

we saw the start of receipts

This option focuses on the observation of the start of receiving, rather than the act itself.

the flow started towards us

This metaphoric alternative emphasizes the movement of something towards the receiver, suitable when describing abstract concepts.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "we started receiving"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "we began to receive" or "we commenced receiving", which are suitable for business or official contexts.

How can I emphasize the ongoing nature of receiving?

To highlight that the act of receiving is ongoing, you could say "we are receiving" or "we have started to receive", which emphasizes the continuing nature of the process.

Is "we started to receive" different from "we started receiving"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. However, "we started to receive" might subtly emphasize the intention or effort to receive, whereas ""we started receiving"" focuses directly on the action of receiving. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Can I use "we started receiving" to describe a completed event?

It's better to avoid using ""we started receiving"" for an event that has fully concluded. Instead, use "we received" if the action of receiving is finished.