Skip to Content

Welcomes vs Welcome: When to Opt for One Term Over Another

Welcomes vs Welcome: When to Opt for One Term Over Another

When it comes to using proper grammar, it’s important to know the difference between “welcomes” and “welcome.” While both words may seem interchangeable, there are specific situations where one is more appropriate than the other.

Let’s clarify the definitions of each word. “Welcomes” is the third person singular form of the verb “welcome,” which means to greet or receive someone with pleasure or goodwill. On the other hand, “welcome” can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. As a verb, it means to greet or receive someone with pleasure or goodwill. As a noun, it refers to a greeting or reception. As an adjective, it describes something that is pleasing or eagerly anticipated.

So, which of the two is the proper word to use? It depends on the context. If you’re using it as a verb to greet or receive someone, both “welcomes” and “welcome” are correct. However, if you’re using it as a noun or an adjective, “welcome” is the more appropriate choice.

In this article, we’ll explore the different ways “welcomes” and “welcome” can be used, and provide examples of when each word is most appropriate.

Define Welcomes

Welcomes is the third person singular form of the verb welcome, which means to greet someone or something with pleasure, kindness, or hospitality. It is often used in the context of receiving guests or visitors, as in “The hotel welcomes guests with a complimentary drink upon arrival.”

Welcomes can also be used as a noun, referring to the act of greeting or receiving someone or something with hospitality. For example, “The warm welcomes from the locals made me feel at home in the new city.”

Define Welcome

Welcome is a verb that means to greet someone or something with pleasure, kindness, or hospitality. It is often used in the context of receiving guests or visitors, as in “The host welcomed us into their home with open arms.”

Welcome can also be used as an adjective, describing something that is pleasing or enjoyable to receive or experience. For example, “The cool breeze was a welcome relief from the heat.”

Additionally, welcome can be used as a noun, referring to a greeting or reception. For example, “The warm welcome from the audience made the performer feel appreciated.”

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct form of a word is essential in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence. In the case of “welcomes” and “welcome,” it is important to understand the distinction between the two and how to use them properly.

How To Use “Welcomes” In A Sentence

The word “welcomes” is the third-person singular form of the verb “welcome.” It is used to express a greeting or reception of someone or something.

Here are some examples of how to use “welcomes” in a sentence:

  • The company welcomes its new employees with an orientation program.
  • The hotel welcomes guests with a complimentary drink upon arrival.
  • The school welcomes parents to attend open house events.

As seen in the examples, “welcomes” is used to describe an action of greeting or receiving someone or something.

How To Use “Welcome” In A Sentence

The word “welcome” can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. As a verb, it means to greet or receive someone with pleasure. As a noun, it means a greeting or reception. As an adjective, it describes something that is pleasing or acceptable.

Here are some examples of how to use “welcome” in a sentence:

  • I welcome the opportunity to work on this project.
  • The warm welcome from the host made me feel at home.
  • The new policy was not welcomed by the employees.
  • The hotel offers a welcome package for its guests.
  • The idea of working remotely is welcome news for many employees.

As seen in the examples, “welcome” can be used in various forms to convey a greeting, reception, or acceptance of something.

More Examples Of Welcomes & Welcome Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how “welcomes” and “welcome” are used in sentences. These examples will help you understand the proper context and usage of these words.

Examples Of Using ‘Welcomes’ In A Sentence

  • The company welcomes new employees with a comprehensive orientation program.
  • The hotel welcomes guests with a complimentary drink at check-in.
  • The school welcomes students from all backgrounds and cultures.
  • The organization welcomes volunteers to help with their mission.
  • The community center welcomes seniors to participate in various activities.
  • The museum welcomes visitors with interactive exhibits and guided tours.
  • The restaurant welcomes diners with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • The park welcomes families to enjoy its playgrounds and picnic areas.
  • The theater welcomes audiences with a diverse range of performances.
  • The store welcomes shoppers with a wide selection of products and friendly staff.

As you can see, “welcomes” is typically used as a verb to indicate the act of greeting or receiving someone in a friendly manner.

Examples Of Using ‘Welcome’ In A Sentence

  • The warm weather is a welcome change from the cold winter months.
  • We welcome your feedback on our new product line.
  • The company’s decision to increase employee benefits was a welcome surprise.
  • The team gave the new coach a warm welcome at their first practice.
  • The hotel offers a welcome package for guests who book a longer stay.
  • The school’s new policy on bullying was met with a welcome response from parents.
  • The community welcomed the new library with open arms.
  • The artist’s latest exhibit was a welcome addition to the museum’s collection.
  • The store’s clearance sale was a welcome opportunity for bargain hunters.
  • The company’s commitment to sustainability is a welcome trend in the industry.

On the other hand, “welcome” is typically used as an adjective to describe something that is appreciated or desired.

By understanding the subtle differences in usage between “welcomes” and “welcome,” you can effectively communicate your message and convey the appropriate tone in your writing.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “welcomes” and “welcome,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Welcomes” As A Noun

One common mistake is using “welcomes” as a noun, as in “I received many warm welcomes.” In this context, “welcomes” is being used as a plural noun, which is incorrect. The correct word to use here is “welcome,” which is a singular noun.

Using “Welcome” As A Verb In The Third Person

Another mistake is using “welcome” as a verb in the third person, as in “He welcomes the guests.” While this may sound correct, it is actually incorrect. The correct verb form to use here is “welcomes,” as in “He welcomes the guests.”

Using “Welcome” As An Adjective

Many people also make the mistake of using “welcome” as an adjective, as in “I received a welcome gift.” While this may sound correct, it is actually incorrect. The correct adjective form to use here is “welcoming,” as in “I received a welcoming gift.”

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

  • Double-check your use of “welcomes” and “welcome” to ensure you are using the correct form.
  • If you are unsure, consult a dictionary or grammar guide for guidance.
  • Practice using these words correctly in your writing and speech to reinforce the correct usage.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “welcomes” and “welcome,” context is key. The choice between the two depends on the situation in which they are used. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “welcomes” and “welcome” might change.

Formal Vs. Informal Settings

In formal settings, such as business meetings or academic conferences, it is more appropriate to use “welcomes” instead of “welcome.” For example, a conference organizer might say, “The keynote speaker welcomes you all to the conference.” In this case, “welcomes” is used to convey a sense of formality and professionalism.

On the other hand, in more informal settings, such as a casual get-together with friends, “welcome” is the more appropriate choice. For instance, a host might say, “Welcome to my home!” The use of “welcome” in this context creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Singular Vs. Plural Subjects

The choice between “welcomes” and “welcome” also depends on whether the subject is singular or plural. For example, if you are addressing a group of people, you would use “welcomes” because the subject is plural. However, if you are addressing an individual, you would use “welcome” because the subject is singular.

For instance, a teacher might say, “The school welcomes all new students,” but when addressing a new student directly, the teacher might say, “Welcome to our school!”

Tense And Voice

The choice between “welcomes” and “welcome” can also depend on the tense and voice of the sentence. In the present tense, “welcomes” is used for third-person singular subjects, while “welcome” is used for first-person and second-person subjects, as well as third-person plural subjects.

For example, a company might say, “Our company welcomes new employees every month,” while a new employee might say, “I am excited to be welcomed into the company.” In the passive voice, “welcome” is used because there is no specific subject. For instance, “Visitors are always welcome at our museum.”

In conclusion, the choice between “welcomes” and “welcome” depends on various factors, such as the context, subject, tense, and voice of the sentence. By understanding these differences, you can use the appropriate term to convey the intended meaning and tone in your communication.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “welcomes” and “welcome” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where the usage may not be as clear-cut. Here are some situations where the rules may not apply:

1. Idiomatic Expressions

There are certain idiomatic expressions where “welcome” is used instead of “welcomes”. For example:

  • “You’re welcome” as a response to “thank you” is a common idiomatic expression
  • “Welcome aboard” is a common expression used to greet someone who has just joined a team or group
  • “Welcome to the club” is a common expression used to empathize with someone who is experiencing a common problem or situation

2. Singular Nouns

When referring to a singular noun, “welcome” is used instead of “welcomes”. For example:

  • “The museum welcomes visitors from all over the world” (plural noun)
  • “The museum welcomes a new exhibit every month” (singular noun)

3. Passive Voice

In passive voice constructions, “welcome” is used instead of “welcomes”. For example:

  • “Visitors are welcomed by the museum staff” (passive voice)
  • “The museum staff welcomes visitors” (active voice)

It’s important to note that these exceptions are not exhaustive, and there may be other situations where the rules for using “welcomes” and “welcome” may not apply. However, by understanding these exceptions, you can use these words with more confidence and accuracy in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have learned the difference between welcomes and welcome, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of these terms:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Complete the following sentences with either welcomes or welcome:

  1. The hotel _______ guests with a complimentary breakfast.
  2. Our company _______ new employees with a thorough orientation.
  3. The principal _______ students back to school on the first day.
  4. The hostess _______ guests with a smile and a warm greeting.
  5. We _______ feedback from our customers to improve our products.

Answer Key:

  1. The hotel welcomes guests with a complimentary breakfast.
  2. Our company welcomes new employees with a thorough orientation.
  3. The principal welcomes students back to school on the first day.
  4. The hostess welcomes guests with a smile and a warm greeting.
  5. We welcome feedback from our customers to improve our products.

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete the following sentences:

  1. The company _______ new employees with open arms.
  2. The hotel _______ guests with a complimentary breakfast.
  3. We _______ feedback from our customers to improve our products.
  4. The principal _______ students back to school on the first day.
  5. The hostess _______ guests with a smile and a warm greeting.

Answer Key:

  1. The company welcomes new employees with open arms.
  2. The hotel welcomes guests with a complimentary breakfast.
  3. We welcome feedback from our customers to improve our products.
  4. The principal welcomes students back to school on the first day.
  5. The hostess welcomes guests with a smile and a warm greeting.

By completing these exercises, you should now have a better understanding of how to correctly use welcomes and welcome in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence to determine which word is appropriate to use.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “welcomes” and “welcome,” it is clear that these words are not interchangeable and should be used carefully in the appropriate context.

Key Takeaways

  • “Welcomes” is a verb that is used to describe an action or event where someone is being welcomed.
  • “Welcome” is an adjective that is used to describe a person, place, or thing that is welcoming or inviting.
  • It is important to use the correct form of the word depending on the context of the sentence.
  • Using “welcomes” instead of “welcome” can change the meaning of a sentence and cause confusion for the reader.

By understanding these key takeaways, writers can ensure that their language use is clear and effective.

Continued Learning

Grammar and language use are important aspects of effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve our understanding of these topics, we can become more confident and successful writers. There are many resources available, such as online courses, books, and writing groups, that can help us continue to develop our skills.