Skip to Content

Receive vs Receiving: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Receive vs Receiving: When To Use Each One In Writing?

When it comes to the English language, there are many words that can be confusing to use correctly. Two such words are “receive” and “receiving.” While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences between the two that can affect how they are used in a sentence.

It’s important to understand the definitions of each word. “Receive” is a verb that means to be given or presented with something. “Receiving” is the present participle form of “receive,” and it refers to the act of receiving something.

So, which of the two is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context of the sentence. In general, “receive” is used when referring to the action of being given something, while “receiving” is used when referring to the ongoing act of receiving something.

For example, you might say “I received a gift from my friend,” indicating that the gift was given to you at a specific point in time. On the other hand, you might say “I am receiving a gift from my friend,” indicating that the act of receiving the gift is ongoing.

Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and provide examples of how to use them correctly in various contexts.

Define Receive

Receive is a verb that means to be given or presented with something, or to come into possession of something. It can also refer to the act of accepting or acknowledging something that has been given or sent to you.

For example, if someone sends you a package in the mail, you would say that you received the package once it arrived at your doorstep. Alternatively, if someone gives you a compliment, you might respond by saying “thank you, I received your kind words.”

Receive can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as receiving an education or receiving a promotion at work.

Define Receiving

Receiving is the gerund form of the verb receive, and it refers to the act of being given or presented with something, or coming into possession of something. It can also refer to the act of accepting or acknowledging something that has been given or sent to you.

For example, if you are waiting for a package to arrive in the mail, you might say that you are “looking forward to receiving it.” Alternatively, if you are in a conversation with someone and they give you advice, you might say that you are “receiving their advice.”

Receiving can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as receiving an award or receiving recognition for your work.

Overall, while receive and receiving are related terms, receive is a verb that describes the act of being given something, while receiving is the gerund form of the verb that describes the act of being given something.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial in conveying the intended message. The subtle difference between the words ‘receive’ and ‘receiving’ can make or break the meaning of a sentence. In this section, we will explore the proper use of these words in a sentence.

How To Use ‘Receive’ In A Sentence

The word ‘receive’ is a verb that indicates the act of accepting or taking something that is given, sent, or provided. It is often used in the context of receiving a gift, an email, or a package. Here are some examples of how to use ‘receive’ in a sentence:

  • I will receive my diploma at the graduation ceremony.
  • She received a package from her friend who lives overseas.
  • He will receive a promotion after his outstanding performance at work.

As shown in the examples above, ‘receive’ is often used in the present tense to indicate an action that is happening now or in the future. It is also commonly used in passive voice constructions, where the subject receives the action of the verb. For instance, “The package was received by the recipient.”

How To Use ‘Receiving’ In A Sentence

The word ‘receiving’ is the present participle form of the verb ‘receive.’ It is often used to describe an ongoing action of accepting or taking something. Here are some examples of how to use ‘receiving’ in a sentence:

  • She is receiving treatment for her illness at the hospital.
  • He is receiving a lot of attention for his new invention.
  • The company is receiving complaints about their product quality.

As shown in the examples above, ‘receiving’ is often used in the present continuous tense to indicate an action that is ongoing at the moment of speaking. It can also be used in the passive voice constructions, where the subject is receiving the action of the verb. For instance, “The package is being received by the recipient.”

Overall, it is important to understand the difference between ‘receive’ and ‘receiving’ to use them correctly in a sentence. ‘Receive’ indicates a completed action, while ‘receiving’ indicates an ongoing action. By using these words correctly, you can effectively communicate your message and avoid confusion.

More Examples Of Receive & Receiving Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words “receive” and “receiving” in sentences. These examples will help you to better understand the context in which these words are commonly used.

Examples Of Using Receive In A Sentence

  • I will receive my diploma at the graduation ceremony.
  • He will receive a promotion if he meets his sales quota.
  • She will receive a gift from her parents for her birthday.
  • The company will receive a tax break for their charitable donations.
  • They will receive a warm welcome from their friends when they arrive.
  • The athlete will receive a medal for winning the race.
  • The teacher will receive an award for her outstanding performance.
  • The customer will receive a discount for their loyalty to the brand.
  • The patient will receive a prescription for their illness.
  • The team will receive a trophy for winning the championship.

Examples Of Using Receiving In A Sentence

  • She is receiving treatment for her illness at the hospital.
  • He is receiving a scholarship for his academic achievements.
  • The company is receiving positive feedback for their new product.
  • They are receiving criticism for their lack of action on climate change.
  • The athlete is receiving coaching from a professional trainer.
  • The teacher is receiving support from her colleagues to improve her teaching methods.
  • The customer is receiving excellent service from the sales representative.
  • The patient is receiving regular check-ups to monitor their health.
  • The team is receiving sponsorship from a local business.
  • The organization is receiving donations from generous supporters.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using receive and receiving, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using “Receive” As A Verb Form Of “Receiving”

One common mistake is using “receive” as a verb form of “receiving”. While both words refer to the act of obtaining something, “receive” is the correct form when used as a verb, while “receiving” is the correct form when used as a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun).

Incorrect: I am receive a gift from my friend.

Correct: I am receiving a gift from my friend.

2. Using “Receive” When Referring To A Person

Another common mistake is using “receive” when referring to a person as the recipient of something. In this case, “receive” is not the correct verb to use. Instead, use “get” or “obtain”.

Incorrect: She received a promotion from her boss.

Correct: She got a promotion from her boss.

3. Using “Receiving” As An Adjective

Using “receiving” as an adjective to describe something that is currently being received is also a common mistake. Instead, use “received” or “in the process of receiving”.

Incorrect: The receiving package was damaged during shipping.

Correct: The package being received was damaged during shipping.

4. Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

  • Always double-check the verb form of “receive” and “receiving” before using them in a sentence.
  • Use “get” or “obtain” when referring to a person as the recipient of something.
  • Avoid using “receiving” as an adjective and instead use “received” or “in the process of receiving”.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your use of receive and receiving is correct and effective.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “receive” and “receiving,” context is key. The choice between these two words can depend on the specific context in which they are used. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “receive” and “receiving” might change.

Formality

One factor that can impact the choice between “receive” and “receiving” is formality. In more formal contexts, such as academic or legal writing, “receive” may be the preferred choice. For example:

  • The plaintiff will receive compensation for their injuries.
  • The recipient will receive the award at the ceremony.

However, in less formal contexts, such as casual conversation or social media posts, “receiving” may be more appropriate. For example:

  • Thanks for receiving my message!
  • I’m really looking forward to receiving my package in the mail.

Tense

The choice between “receive” and “receiving” can also depend on the tense of the sentence. In the present tense, “receiving” may be more appropriate, while in the past tense, “receive” may be preferred. For example:

  • I am currently receiving treatment for my illness.
  • Yesterday, I received a letter from my friend.

However, there may be instances where the past tense of “receiving” is more appropriate, such as:

  • I remember receiving a lot of gifts on my birthday when I was a kid.

Active Vs. Passive Voice

The choice between “receive” and “receiving” can also be impacted by the use of active or passive voice. In active voice, “receive” may be more appropriate, while in passive voice, “receiving” may be preferred. For example:

  • The company will receive a grant from the government.
  • A grant will be received by the company from the government.

Overall, the choice between “receive” and “receiving” can depend on a variety of factors, including formality, tense, and voice. By considering the specific context in which these words are used, writers can ensure that they are using the most appropriate word for their intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using receive and receiving are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few scenarios where the rules may not apply:

1. Passive Voice

In passive voice constructions, the subject of the sentence receives the action rather than performing it. In these cases, the past participle form of the verb (in this case, “received” or “receiving”) is used regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.

For example:

  • The package was received yesterday.
  • Several awards were received by the company.
  • The email is being received by all employees.

2. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions that use “receive” or “receiving” in a way that deviates from the standard rules. Here are a few examples:

  • Receive the news: This expression means to be informed of something significant or unexpected. For instance, “I received the news that I had been accepted into the program.”
  • Receiving end: This phrase refers to the person or group that is the target or recipient of something. For example, “The customer service representative was on the receiving end of many angry calls.”
  • Receive a warm welcome: This expression means to be greeted warmly or enthusiastically. You might say, “I was pleasantly surprised to receive such a warm welcome from my new colleagues.”

3. Dialectical Differences

Finally, it’s worth noting that there are some regional or dialectical differences in how “receive” and “receiving” are used. For example, in British English, it is more common to use “received” in place of “got” in certain contexts, such as “I received a letter from my grandmother.”

Similarly, in some dialects, “receiving” may be used in place of “getting” or “retrieving” in certain contexts. For instance, “I’m going to receive my coat from the closet.”

While these differences may not be significant, it’s important to be aware of them if you are communicating with people from different regions or backgrounds.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of receive and receiving in sentences is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Sentence Answer
He always ___________ a lot of presents on his birthday. receives
The company ___________ a lot of applications for the job. received
She is ___________ a promotion at work. receiving

Explanation: In this exercise, you are given a sentence with a blank space where the verb receive or receiving should be used. Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence.

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Form

  1. Which sentence uses the correct form of receive or receiving?
  • a. I am receive a package tomorrow.
  • b. I will be receiving a package tomorrow.
  • c. I will received a package tomorrow.
  • Which sentence uses the correct form of receive or receiving?
    • a. She was received an award for her work.
    • b. She is receiving an award for her work.
    • c. She will received an award for her work.
  • Which sentence uses the correct form of receive or receiving?
    • a. They will receive a lot of compliments for their performance.
    • b. They are receiving a lot of compliments for their performance.
    • c. They received a lot of compliments for their performance.

    Explanation: In this exercise, you are given three sets of sentences. Choose the sentence that uses the correct form of receive or receiving.

    By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of receive and receiving in sentences. Make sure to check the answer keys or explanations to learn from any mistakes you may have made.

    Conclusion

    After reading this article, it is clear that the difference between “receive” and “receiving” is more than just a matter of tense. “Receive” is a verb that denotes the act of getting something, while “receiving” is the present participle form of “receive” that is used to describe an ongoing action.

    It is important to use the correct form of these words in your writing to ensure that your meaning is clear and concise. Using “receive” when you mean “receiving” can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

    Furthermore, this article highlights the importance of understanding grammar and language use. By improving your knowledge of these areas, you can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes.

    Key Takeaways:

    • “Receive” is a verb that denotes the act of getting something, while “receiving” is the present participle form of “receive” that is used to describe an ongoing action.
    • Using the correct form of these words is important for clear and concise communication.
    • Understanding grammar and language use is crucial for effective communication and avoiding common mistakes.

    Overall, by continuing to learn and improve your understanding of grammar and language use, you can become a more confident and effective communicator.