Receptive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Receptive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is open to new ideas, suggestions, or experiences. Example: "She has always been receptive to feedback, which has helped her grow in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Part of the softening of politicians to be receptive to the most extreme views on Israel and Palestine comes from those sponsored trips, coupled with relatively weak Palestinian advocacy and a post 9/11 context which paints Arabs with a discriminatory brush.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said he expected them to be "very receptive to it".

The Guardian

However, both point out that there is still a long way to go, since they are operating in an industry that is less receptive to Asian artists, and far kinder to men than women.

The Guardian

These brainwaves are associated with relaxation, but also suggestibility – something advertisers look to capitalise on by making your receptive brain associate their brands with positive emotions.

The Guardian

McNicol then arranged for this potentially receptive voter to get a call from the local candidate, Sharon Taylor, leader of the council.

The Guardian - Opinion

Paired by Warner Brothers in a recurring double-act with the imposingly corpulent Greenstreet (they have been memorably described as "the Laurel and Hardy of crime"), Lorre found a home in film noir, a genre receptive to grotesque vigour and the eccentric variety of life.

The Guardian - Film

While the immediate outlooks for both fighters were unclear, an immediate rematch would make sense – an idea Lee was more than receptive to.

The Guardian - Sport

Finn is an intelligent man but there is a suspicion he has been too receptive to influence, that a bowler who was not really broken – Finn was dropped most recently after taking 40 wickets in his past 11 Test matches – has been broken by being needlessly fixed many times over.

The Guardian - Sport

Open, receptive and ongoing dialogue between the interested and informed parties is the way to bring about a societal consensus that can help mould that future.

The Guardian

"I found her receptive and well informed, with strong views and committed to working for gender equality," Bradshaw said.

The Guardian

They encounter mixed results among shoppers being offered plastic bags containing Ukip literature, although there's a more receptive audience from pensioners Jan and Ron Duchemin, who moved from London 20 years ago after "losing everything" in the 1980s.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "receptive" when you want to emphasize someone's willingness to consider new ideas or suggestions. It suggests an openness to engagement and change.

Common error

Avoid using "receptive" when you mean something is merely acceptable. "Receptive" implies an active willingness to engage with something, not just a passive acceptance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Receptive" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a quality of being able or willing to receive something, whether it be ideas, suggestions, or sensory input. Ludwig AI indicates that this adjective is frequently used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "Receptive" describes a state of openness and willingness to receive new ideas, suggestions, or sensory input. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. It's frequently used in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, and should be used to emphasize active willingness rather than passive acceptance. Related terms include "open-minded" and "amenable". When using this word, be mindful of the common error of substituting it with "acceptable". Overall, understanding the nuances of "Receptive" enhances the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accepting

Implies a general willingness to receive or allow something.

Open-minded

Focuses on having a broad perspective and being willing to consider different viewpoints.

Adaptive

Focuses on the ability to adjust readily to new conditions.

Amenable

Emphasizes willingness to agree or accept something.

Tolerant

Stresses the ability to endure or put up with differing opinions or behaviors.

Responsive

Highlights the act of reacting positively and appropriately to something.

Perceptive

Emphasizes a keen awareness and understanding.

Approachable

Highlights ease of communication and interaction.

Susceptible

Suggests being easily influenced or affected by something.

Impressionable

Highlights being easily influenced, particularly when young.

FAQs

How to use "Receptive" in a sentence?

You can use "receptive" to describe someone who is open to new ideas or suggestions. For example, "The team was very "receptive" to my proposal."

What can I say instead of "Receptive"?

You can use alternatives like "open-minded", "amenable", or "responsive" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Receptive to" or "Receptive of"?

"Receptive to" is the correct and more common usage. For example, "She is "receptive to" new ideas."

What's the difference between "Receptive" and "Responsive"?

"Receptive" implies a willingness to receive or consider something, while "responsive" implies reacting positively and appropriately to something. "Receptive" is about openness, while "responsive" is about action.