a message I received vs a message that I received

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'A message I received' is more informal and commonly used in spoken English, while 'a message that I received' is more formal and appropriate for written English. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 2957 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in spoken English.

"a message I received"

This phrase is more informal and suitable for spoken language. It is commonly used in everyday conversations.

Examples:

A message I received yesterday was very confusing.
I can't believe the message I received from him.

Show examples from the web [+]

The ransom message I received from the kidnappers at my office.
According to the message I received, our sun has started going supernova.
The message I received was clear: the Commission proposal will result in much higher costs without providing comparable environmental benefit.
I received a message from the SGC.
I-I just - I received a message from... hold on.
I received a message from Mrs Fox today.
As I prayed over them, I received a message...
On Tuesday March 20, 1979 at 21.40 hours a message received.
I received a message that you'd been found injured, half dressed, and discharging a weapon in public.
I received a message that you'd been found injured, half dressed, and discharging a weapon in public.
Your illness couldn't possibly be related to this text message I received from Jessa about 20 minutes ago, could it?
NCIS received a message from this phone.
Message received at 8:09am.
If you use a message stack, & kopete; shows recently received messages starting with the last message received.
I realized the messages I'd received were my test.
One or more 'ERROR' providing information on the errors identified in a message received.
One hour ago, I received a message from a Starfleet officer, who confessed to carrying out this attack, that he was being forced to do it by this man, Commander John Harrison.
Sir, the Vickery just received a message over the COMPLAN subnet.
We received a message before the shooting.
We've received a message from Lursa and B'Etor.

Alternatives:

a message that I received
a message which I received
a message that was received by me
a message I got
a message that came to me

This phrase is correct and more formal, suitable for written English.

"a message that I received"

This phrase is more formal and appropriate for written language. It is commonly used in formal writing or professional contexts.

Examples:

The email contained a message that I received last week.
I need to respond to the message that I received from the client.

Show examples from the web [+]

Tell your sister that I received the message that she was doing fine.
I received a message that you'd been found injured, half dressed, and discharging a weapon in public.
I received a message that you'd been found injured, half dressed, and discharging a weapon in public.
I received a message from the SGC.
I-I just - I received a message from... hold on.
I received a message from Mrs Fox today.
As I prayed over them, I received a message...
On Tuesday March 20, 1979 at 21.40 hours a message received.
l've received a message that, next Friday,
She may have received a message that made her leap on the first plane.
On June 6th, 1954, Dr. Dwyer claimed that Evey had received a message that the Lilitu should lock themselves inside this building.
NCIS received a message from this phone.
Message received at 8:09am.
If you use a message stack, & kopete; shows recently received messages starting with the last message received.
The ransom message I received from the kidnappers at my office.
According to the message I received, our sun has started going supernova.
The message I received was clear: the Commission proposal will result in much higher costs without providing comparable environmental benefit.
They continued to put so much emphasis... on this message that I had received from so I almost was convinced that I had met him.
One or more 'ERROR' providing information on the errors identified in a message received.
One hour ago, I received a message from a Starfleet officer, who confessed to carrying out this attack, that he was being forced to do it by this man, Commander John Harrison.

Alternatives:

a message I received
a message which I received
a message that was received by me
a message I got
a message that came to me

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

a message I received vs a message that I received