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 • 2981 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

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a message I received vs a message that I received