Blog/Grammar tips
12 May 2022
4 min read

Choosing Correctly: Receive or Recieve - Which Spelling Wins?

Ever found yourself second-guessing the spelling of 'receive'?

You're not alone. Even the most seasoned native speakers sometimes falter over this commonly misspelled word.

Whether you're a non-native speaker striving for perfection or a native speaker looking to avoid embarrassing typos, our guide is here to help.

So, are you ready to relate to the word 'receive' on a whole new level?

Let's dive in.

Understanding the Correct Spelling: Receive or Recieve

Let's discover the correct spelling of a commonly misspelled word: "receive" or "recieve". We'll explore the reasons behind this frequent error and provide a clear understanding of the correct spelling. This will be particularly helpful for non-native speakers who often grapple with the 'i before e except after c' rule.

  • The Common Mistake: The spelling 'receive' is a common mistake, especially among non-native English speakers. The confusion arises from the 'i' and 'e' placement. This error is often due to misunderstanding the 'i before e except after c' rule.
  • The Correct Spelling: The correct spelling of the word in question is "receive". This spelling adheres to the age-old English language rule, "i before e, except after c". This rule is a helpful guide, especially for non-native speakers grappling with the intricacies of English spelling. However, it's worth noting that, like most rules, it has its exceptions.

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Remembering the Correct Spelling

Let's explore some unique strategies to help you remember the correct spelling. Let's dive in and make misspelling 'receive' a thing of the past.

The Rhyme Rule: 'i' before 'e' except after 'c'

The 'i' before 'e' except after 'c' rule is a classic mnemonic that many native speakers learn in school. It's a handy tool for remembering the correct spelling of 'receive'. The word 'receive' follows this rule perfectly, as the 'e' comes before the 'i' after 'c'.

However, it's essential to note that this rule has exceptions. But, in the context of 'receive', it's a reliable guide.

So, whenever you're unsure about spelling 'receive' or 'receiver', remember this rhyme. It's a simple trick that can save you from making common spelling errors.

Alphabetical Order Trick

The Alphabetical Order Trick is a clever method to remember the correct spelling of 'receive'. It's a trick that native speakers often use to relate to the word. The trick is to split the word into three parts: 're', 'CEI', and 've'.

The middle part, 'CEI', is the tricky bit that often confuses people. But if you look closely, you'll notice that 'CEI' is in alphabetical order. This simple realization can help you remember the correct spelling.

So, next time you're unsure about whether it's 'receive' or 'recieve', just remember the Alphabetical Order Trick. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure you're spelling it right.

The 'I've Eaten It' Mnemonic

The 'I've Eaten It' mnemonic is a quirky yet effective method to remember the correct spelling of 'receive'. It's a visualization technique that uses a conversation between two characters. One asks, "Did you receive the candy?" and the other responds, "Yes, I've received it... and have eaten it, too!"

This silly conversation helps us remember the spelling in two ways. First, the phrase "I've" cements the fact that 'receive' ends with 'I-V-E'. Second, the phrase "Eaten It" has the initials 'E-I', which reinforces that 'receive' is spelled with an 'E-I' in the middle, not 'I-E'.

This mnemonic, though humorous, is a powerful tool that can help both native speakers and non-native speakers relate to the word 'receive' and remember its correct spelling.

Synonyms and Usage of Receive

Diving deeper into the world of 'receive', let's explore its synonyms and how it's used in everyday language. This section will help you relate to the word 'receive' more effectively.

Understanding Synonyms of Receive

Examples of Receive in a Sentence

  • "Did you receive the Christmas card I sent you?"
  • "I'm eager to receive the package I ordered online."
  • "She didn't receive the recognition she deserved for her hard work."
  • "He was delighted to receive a promotion at work."
  • "It's common for people to misspell 'receive' when writing quickly."

Final Thoughts on 'Receive' vs 'Recieve'

The correct spelling of the word is 'receive', not 'recieve'. Remember the rhyme rule: 'i' before 'e' except after 'c'. This simple trick can be a lifesaver, especially for a non-native speaker.

Whether you're a native speaker or not, it's essential to understand and relate to the word 'receive'. It's more than just a word; it's a concept that involves a receiver and a recipient, something we often see in our daily lives, like receiving a Christmas card. So, don't let common mistakes like 'recieve' vs 'receive' trip you up.

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