friendly reception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "friendly reception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a warm and welcoming greeting or response, often in social or formal contexts. Example: "The guests were met with a friendly reception at the entrance of the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The President always get a friendly reception.

The New Yorker

At a confirmation hearing last week, she received a friendly reception during two hours of testimony.

The New York Times

There he was given a friendly reception as well as money and weapons.

Britannica

Mrs. Connally, her anxieties allayed, was moved to make her remark about the friendly reception.

The New York Times

So when, in 1997, Mr Schrempp sought to reopen talks with Chrysler, he got a friendly reception.

The Economist

Ninety-nine percent of veterans returning from Vietnam said they had a friendly reception from close friends and family, and 94percentt said they got a friendly reception from people their own age who had not served.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"He's a person who understands what it means to be a strict constructionist, somebody who looks at the words of the Constitution for what they are, somebody who will not legislate from the bench". Judge Roberts got friendly receptions from two Republicans members of the Judiciary Committee whom he was visiting today, Senators Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and Jeff Sessions of Alabama.

The New York Times

Along the way they met friendly receptions from other farmers and townspeople.

Huffington Post

Earlier that day, there was a child-friendly reception at Mary's, with moles everywhere.

The New York Times - Style

At my husband's less-than-friendly reception, Mr. Raccoon turned slowly away, head hung low.

Huffington Post

Wouldn't the U.S. government be receiving a friendlier reception in many countries today if it had used the trillions of dollars it spent on war preparations and destruction to help build a more equitable, prosperous world?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's experience in a new community or environment, using "friendly reception" can emphasize the welcoming atmosphere and ease of integration.

Common error

Don't use "friendly reception" to describe a neutral or indifferent encounter. The phrase implies active warmth and welcome, not simply the absence of hostility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "friendly reception" functions as a noun phrase, where "friendly" modifies the noun "reception". It describes the manner in which someone or something is received. Ludwig's examples show it commonly refers to the welcome given to individuals, ideas, or proposals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "friendly reception" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a positive and welcoming greeting. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is most frequently used in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in reporting on events and interactions. While suitable for formal writing, it maintains a neutral register, making it widely accessible. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a warm and accepting atmosphere, avoiding its application to neutral or indifferent encounters. Alternatives such as "warm welcome" or "cordial greeting" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warm welcome

Focuses on the warmth and positiveness of the greeting, omitting the formality of the reception.

cordial greeting

Emphasizes politeness and formality, suitable for more official situations.

hospitable welcome

Highlights the generosity and kindness of the greeting.

amiable greeting

Stresses the friendliness and pleasantness of the greeting.

genial welcome

Similar to amiable, but with a slightly more enthusiastic connotation.

positive greeting

A more generic way to refer to a nice welcome, may need more context.

kind reception

Highlights the empathy and generosity behind the welcoming.

agreeable welcome

Focuses on the pleasantness and harmony of the greeting.

gracious welcome

Highlights good manner and generosity.

affable greeting

Stresses the easygoing and approachable nature of the greeting.

FAQs

How can I use "friendly reception" in a sentence?

You can use "friendly reception" to describe a positive and welcoming greeting. For example: "The new employee received a "friendly reception" from their colleagues."

What are some alternatives to "friendly reception"?

Alternatives include "warm welcome", "cordial greeting", or "hospitable welcome", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "friendly reception" in formal writing?

Yes, "friendly reception" is appropriate in formal writing, although alternatives like "cordial greeting" might be more suitable for highly formal contexts.

What is the difference between "friendly reception" and "polite greeting"?

"Friendly reception" implies a sense of warmth and genuine welcome, while "polite greeting" simply indicates good manners and courtesy. A "friendly reception" goes beyond mere politeness.