receiving end

USAGE SUMMARY

"receiving end" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to the person or group of people that are affected by an action, policy, or situation. For example, "The victims were on the receiving end of the violence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lovable Marlon's on the receiving end.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"So I'm on the receiving end".

The New York Times

At the receiving end, heads are spinning.

The New York Times

The entire region on the receiving end".

The Guardian

To those on the receiving end, that stinks.

The Guardian

This despite finding herself on the receiving end of prejudice.

The Guardian

Has she been on the receiving end of homophobia?

The Guardian

Celebrities have also been on the receiving end.

The New York Times

"It's odd being on the receiving end of that look.

The Guardian - Music

I've been on the receiving end a few times myself".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Only patients receiving end-of-life care may have visitors.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "receiving end", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being received, and by whom. For example, "They were on the receiving end of harsh criticism."

Common error

Avoid using "receiving end" when the subject is actively participating in an exchange. The phrase implies a passive role. For instance, don't say "They were on the receiving end of the negotiation" if they actively negotiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "receiving end" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often part of a prepositional phrase (e.g., "on the receiving end"). As confirmed by Ludwig, it designates the entity that experiences or is affected by an action or situation. It is commonly used to describe the target or recipient of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "receiving end" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the entity or individual that experiences or is affected by a particular action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is prevalent across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. Understanding its nuances and common errors, such as ensuring agency alignment, can enhance writing precision. While often used in negative contexts, it remains register-neutral and serves to highlight the perspective of those being acted upon. Alternative phrases, such as "target of" or "subjected to", offer subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

target of

Focuses on the person or thing being directly acted upon.

subjected to

Emphasizes the experience of undergoing something, often negative.

affected by

Highlights the impact or influence experienced.

on the receiving line

Implies a formal or ceremonial context of receiving something.

recipient of

Focuses on the act of receiving something, whether tangible or intangible.

victim of

Specifically denotes experiencing harm or negativity.

at the mercy of

Indicates a position of vulnerability and dependence.

experiencing the impact of

Highlights the tangible effect on the person or thing.

bearing the brunt of

Emphasizes enduring the most severe or forceful part of something.

the object of

Draws attention to the receiver as the entity to which something is directed.

FAQs

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

The phrase "receiving end" is used to indicate the person or entity that is affected by an action or situation. For example: "The company was on the receiving end of numerous complaints."

What is a more formal alternative to "receiving end"?

In formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "recipient of" or "subjected to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be on the "receiving end"?

Not necessarily. While "receiving end" is often used in negative contexts (e.g. "receiving end of criticism"), it can also be neutral (e.g. "receiving end of a gift") or even positive depending on the context.

What's the difference between "receiving end" and "giving end"?

"Receiving end" refers to the one who receives or experiences something, while "giving end" refers to the one who gives or initiates the action. They are opposite perspectives in an interaction.