Received vs. Receives

Attribute	Received	Receives
Definition	past tense of receive	present tense of receive
Verb form	past participle	present tense
Usage	Describes something that has already been received	Describes something that is currently being received
Conjugation	Received, receiving, receives	Receives, receiving, received

When it comes to the English language, understanding the nuances between similar words is crucial for effective communication. Two such words that are often confused are "received" and "receives." While they may seem similar at first glance, they actually have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will delve into the differences between "received" and "receives" to help you use them correctly in your writing.

Definition

Let's start by defining each word. "Received" is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "receive." It is used to indicate that something has been given or sent to someone. For example, "I received a gift from my friend." On the other hand, "receives" is the present tense form of the verb "receive." It is used to indicate that someone is currently getting or accepting something. For example, "She receives a monthly allowance from her parents."

Usage

The primary difference between "received" and "receives" lies in their usage. "Received" is used when talking about something that has already been received in the past. It is often paired with a specific time frame or event. For example, "He received a promotion last week." On the other hand, "receives" is used when talking about something that is currently being received or regularly received. It is often paired with a frequency or source. For example, "The company receives orders from customers daily."

Verb Tense

Another key difference between "received" and "receives" is their verb tense. As mentioned earlier, "received" is the past tense form of the verb "receive," while "receives" is the present tense form. This means that "received" is used to talk about actions that have already happened, while "receives" is used to talk about actions that are currently happening or regularly happen. Understanding the appropriate verb tense is essential for using these words correctly in sentences.

Subject Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is an important grammatical concept to consider when using "received" and "receives." In English, the verb form must agree with the subject in terms of number and person. When using "received," the subject is typically singular or plural, but the verb form remains the same. For example, "She received a letter" and "They received letters." On the other hand, when using "receives," the verb form changes based on the subject. For example, "He receives a paycheck" and "She receives paychecks."

Context

Context plays a significant role in determining whether to use "received" or "receives" in a sentence. Consider the timeframe of the action and whether it is a one-time event or a recurring one. If the action occurred in the past and is completed, "received" is the appropriate choice. If the action is ongoing or happens regularly, "receives" is the better option. Paying attention to the context of the sentence will help you choose the correct word and convey your message accurately.

Examples

Let's look at some examples to further illustrate the differences between "received" and "receives."

• "I received an award for my performance." (past tense)
• "She receives compliments on her artwork." (present tense)
• "They received a warm welcome from the crowd." (past tense)
• "The team receives training sessions every week." (present tense)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "received" and "receives" may seem similar, they have distinct attributes that differentiate them in terms of definition, usage, verb tense, subject agreement, and context. Understanding these differences will help you use these words correctly in your writing and avoid confusion. Remember to consider the timeframe of the action and the subject-verb agreement when deciding whether to use "received" or "receives." With practice and attention to detail, you can master the usage of these words and enhance the clarity of your communication.