at the receiving end

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the receiving end" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a person or group of people who experience the consequences of an action, usually a negative one. For example: "The citizens of the town were at the receiving end of the dictator's brutality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the receiving end, heads are spinning.

The New York Times

That is not how it looks at the receiving end.

The New York Times

He says he recently found himself at the receiving end of some vitriol about his nationality.

The Guardian

But that is no consolation to Iranians at the receiving end of the terror.

The New York Times

The director understood them well — he was at the receiving end of both.

The New Yorker

London's Royal Free hospital is now at the receiving end of this approach.

The Guardian - Business

But not everyone was at the receiving end of that pump.

The New York Times

The jihadi at the receiving end will embrace the escalating violence.

The Guardian

In recent days France has been at the receiving end of the most vitriolic criticism.

The Guardian

Slapstick violence, again, with a man at the receiving end of the mayhem.

The New York Times

At the receiving end, it is hoped that computer users and network administrators will then install the patch.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the receiving end", ensure clarity regarding who or what is initiating the action and what is being received. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the receiving end" when the subject actively participates in the action. The phrase implies a passive role, where the subject is acted upon rather than acting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the receiving end" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate the target or recipient of an action or effect. Ludwig contains many examples in this sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the receiving end" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the recipient of an action, often implying a passive or involuntary experience. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is grammatically correct and enjoys widespread usage, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While its register is generally neutral, ensure that its usage aligns with the intended meaning of being subjected to an action, rather than actively participating in it. Remember to use "at the receiving end" when you're highlighting the impact or consequences felt by the recipient of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the receiving side of

A more literal synonym, focusing on the direction of the action.

subjected to

Emphasizes the involuntary nature of the experience.

experiencing the brunt of

Highlights the force or impact of the action being experienced.

on the sharp end of

Highlights the negative experience of something unpleasant.

bearing the consequences of

Focuses on the outcomes or results of an action.

on the receiving line for

Implies a direct and immediate impact.

the target of

Highlights the intentionality or direction of an action.

affected by

A broader term that encompasses any kind of influence or impact.

in receipt of

A formal alternative, emphasizing the act of receiving.

undergoing

Focuses on the process of experiencing something.

FAQs

How can I use "at the receiving end" in a sentence?

Use "at the receiving end" to indicate that someone or something is experiencing the effects of an action, often negative. For example, "The town was at the receiving end of the hurricane's force."

What are some alternatives to "at the receiving end"?

You can use alternatives like "subjected to", "on the receiving side of", or "affected by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "at the receiving end" or "on the receiving end"?

"At the receiving end" and "on the receiving end" are often used interchangeably. However, "on the receiving end" might be slightly more common in contemporary usage.

What does it mean to be "at the receiving end of criticism"?

To be "at the receiving end of criticism" means that you are the person or entity being criticized. The criticism is directed towards you.