What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
receive
Example
I received a letter from my friend yesterday. [received: past tense]
Example
She received a medal for her outstanding performance in the competition. [received: verb]
Example
I am waiting to receive an email from my boss about the project. [receive: verb]
acquire
Example
I acquired a new car last week. [acquired: past tense]
Example
He acquired a lot of knowledge about history during his travels. [acquired: verb]
Example
She worked hard to acquire the necessary skills for the job. [acquire: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Receive is more common than acquire in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Acquire is more commonly used in formal or academic contexts, where precision and accuracy are important.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between receive and acquire?
Acquire is generally considered more formal than receive, as it is often used in academic or technical writing. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation and audience.
