receive a present

USAGE SUMMARY

"receive a present" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as when a person is gifted a present. For example: John was so excited to receive a present from his grandmother on his birthday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Children receive a present and adults mince pies and mulled wine before the return trip.

The Guardian

Who wants to receive a present because we've asked for one?

The New York Times

A man pointlessly smashes a cucumber: a girl invites me to close my eyes and receive a present, which turns out to be a paper-clip.

The Guardian

In May 1928, in the midst of his trial, he wrote: "I have just remembered that Delio will be four on 10 August and he is already big enough to receive a present that means something.

The Guardian - Books

Follow Eve Peyser on Twitter.

Vice

For this figure, we utilized very stringent criteria - to be considered present, the transcript had to receive a "Present" call on all three samples from that tissue type.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Each child received a present, paid for by the United Neighborhood Houses of New York.

The New York Times

About a week later, Tex received a present from Ella, a handbag, which cost around forty-five hundollarsllars.

The New Yorker

American Idol (ABC at 8) A contestant receives a present from Luke Bryan amid solo and group performances.

The Washington Post

Then, on her fortieth birthday, two full years after he died, she receives a present from him in the post.

The Guardian - Books

In December, Li Songwei, 28, received a present from his father, a number ending in 8889988, purchased for $2,500 at a charity auction in Xiamen, the port city.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "receive a present" when you want to emphasize the act of formally or intentionally getting a gift, especially in more formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "receive a present" too often in casual conversations or informal writing; alternatives like "get a present" or "be given a present" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "receive a present" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of acquiring a gift. It uses the verb "receive" in its active voice, suggesting a conscious acceptance of the gift. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "receive a present" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the act of being given a gift. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to consider the context. The phrase is more formal than alternatives like "get a present" and should be used appropriately. Its usage spans across various domains including News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. When writing, keep in mind that choosing more informal alternatives might be more suitable in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be given a gift

Rephrases the action to emphasize the act of giving rather than receiving.

get a present

Uses a more informal verb to describe the act of receiving.

obtain a gift

Suggests a more formal or deliberate acquisition of a present.

accept a present

Emphasizes the act of willingly taking the offered item.

acquire a gift

Focuses on the gaining of possession of the present.

come into possession of a gift

A more formal way of saying receiving a gift.

be the recipient of a gift

Highlights the role of the person receiving as the 'recipient'.

have a present bestowed upon you

Emphasizes the action of giving and its somewhat ceremonial or formal nature.

be presented with a gift

Focuses on the act of formally offering a present.

gain possession of a present

Similar to 'acquire a gift', but potentially implies overcoming some difficulty.

FAQs

What is a more informal way to say "receive a present"?

A more informal way to say "receive a present" is to use the phrase "get a present". This alternative is suitable for everyday conversation.

Is it more formal to say "receive a present" or "get a present"?

The phrase "receive a present" is generally considered more formal than "get a present". Choose "receive" when a more elevated tone is appropriate.

How can I rephrase "receive a present" to emphasize the giver?

To emphasize the giver, you could say "be given a present" or "be presented with a gift". These alternatives highlight the act of someone giving.

What does it mean to "receive a present"?

To "receive a present" means to be given something as a gift. It implies the action of accepting and taking ownership of the item.