reception area

USAGE SUMMARY

'reception area' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the area or room in a building (such as a hotel or office) where guests are welcomed and attended to. For example: "Upon entering the building, I was directed to the reception area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the reception area".

The New York Times - Magazine

And the plants in the reception area.

The Guardian - Sport

The reception area was filthy.

The New York Times - Travel

Describes reception area of the firm's offices.

The New Yorker

I met him in the reception area.

The Guardian

They sip champagne in the reception area.

The Guardian - Film

Inside was a small reception area.

The Guardian

Eventually, I walked into the reception area.

The Guardian

The swanky reception area and curving staircase raise expectations further.

Independent

"Look who's walking," cries a nurse in the reception area.

The New Yorker

He was housed behind the reception area in a hostel.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a description that needs to be as precise as possible use "reception area" instead of similar phrases.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting room" or "lobby" when the space's primary function is to receive and direct visitors, as "reception area" clearly defines this purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reception area" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific location within a building. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and fit for written English. Many examples in Ludwig showcase it as the place to be greeted and welcomed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reception area" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the designated space for welcoming visitors in a building. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "waiting room" or "lobby" exist, "reception area" specifically highlights the function of receiving and directing individuals. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it appropriate for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

front desk area

Emphasizes the presence of a desk as the focal point.

lobby

A more general term for a large entrance hall or waiting area.

waiting room

Focuses on the waiting aspect rather than the receiving aspect of the area.

entrance hall

Emphasizes the hall-like nature of the entrance.

greeting space

Highlights the act of greeting visitors.

check-in desk location

Specifically refers to the area where guests register or check in.

admission area

Specifically used in contexts like hospitals or schools.

welcome center

Implies a more proactive and informative role for the area.

anteroom

A smaller room leading to a larger one, often used as a waiting area.

inquiry desk zone

Highlights the function of providing information.

FAQs

How is the phrase "reception area" used in a sentence?

The phrase "reception area" typically refers to the space in a building where visitors are greeted. For example, "Please wait in the "reception area" until your name is called."

What can I say instead of "reception area"?

You can use alternatives like "waiting room", "lobby", or "front desk area" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Which is correct, "reception area" or "receiving area"?

"Reception area" is the more common and widely accepted term for the area where visitors are greeted. "Receiving area" is less frequently used in this context.

What's the difference between "reception area" and "waiting room"?

A ""reception area"" is where visitors are initially greeted and processed, while a ""waiting room"" is specifically for individuals waiting for an appointment or service. The terms are not always interchangeable.