What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
receive
Example
I received a package from my friend yesterday. [received: past tense]
Example
She received a lot of praise for her hard work. [received: verb]
Example
He received the news with mixed emotions. [received: past participle]
collect
Example
I collect stamps as a hobby. [collect: verb]
Example
She has been collecting data for her research project. [collecting: gerund or present participle]
Example
He went to the post office to collect his mail. [collect: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Receive is more commonly used than collect in everyday language. Receive is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while collect is less common and is typically used in specific contexts such as hobbies or errands.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between receive and collect?
Receive is generally considered more formal than collect. While receive can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is often used in more formal settings such as business or academic environments. On the other hand, collect is more commonly used in informal contexts such as everyday conversations or casual writing.
