What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accept
Example
I accept your apology. [accept: verb]
Example
She accepted the gift with gratitude. [accepted: past tense]
Example
He accepts the fact that he made a mistake. [accepts: present tense]
receive
Example
I received a letter from my friend yesterday. [received: past tense]
Example
She received a lot of praise for her performance. [received: verb]
Example
The company received a warm welcome from the local community. [received: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Receive is more commonly used than accept in everyday language. Receive is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while accept is more specific and is often used in formal or professional settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between accept and receive?
Accept is generally considered more formal than receive. It is often used in formal or professional contexts, such as business negotiations or legal agreements. Receive, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
