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 the Employee of the Month award for her outstanding performance. [received: verb]
gain
Example
I gained a lot of knowledge from reading that book. [gained: past tense]
Example
The company gained a significant market share after launching their new product. [gained: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Receive is more commonly used than gain in everyday language, especially in formal or polite contexts. Gain is more specific and often used in professional or academic settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between receive and gain?
Receive is typically associated with a formal or polite tone, while gain is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
