the reception room

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the reception room" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a designated area where guests are received or welcomed, often in a formal setting such as an office or event venue. Example: "Please wait in the reception room until your appointment is ready."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The reception room should be very official looking.

The New Yorker

In the reception room, Bailey tugged at the sleeve of a coat.

The New Yorker

Someone had shut off the air-conditioner, and it was getting warm in the reception room.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some of the firm's wares were on view in the reception room.

The New Yorker

The reception room is 45ft long, 36ft wide and more than 30ft high.

The Guardian - Travel

A ragbag of talent – Joan Collins, Richard E Grant, Tom Hooper – clog the reception room.

The Guardian - Film

The huge stone fireplace, which once heated the tavern, now dominates the reception room.

The New York Times

The tree-less athletic field was "the orchard," the reception room was "the pantry".

The New Yorker

Marie Antoinette's silk- winding machine sits in a glass case in the reception room, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

When she arrived at the reception room Weinstein had mentioned, it was "completely empty," Hannah recalled.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

More than 300 people crowded the reception rooms & they were unusually pretty people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a space, consider the connotations of "reception room" versus alternatives like "waiting room" or "lobby" to convey the desired tone and formality.

Common error

Avoid using "the reception room" interchangeably with "waiting room" if the space's primary function is not for receiving guests but for waiting. A reception room implies more than just waiting; it suggests a formal greeting or initial interaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the reception room" functions primarily as a noun phrase, designating a specific area within a building. It serves to identify a space designed for receiving and greeting visitors or guests. Examples in Ludwig show it used in various contexts, from offices to hotels, reinforcing its role as a locative noun phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the reception room" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to designate a specific area for greeting visitors. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage and broad applicability across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While alternatives such as "waiting room" or "lobby" exist, "the reception room" offers a more formal and specific designation. It's important to consider the specific function of the room when selecting the most appropriate term, avoiding interchangeable use if the space is primarily a waiting area.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the waiting room

Focuses on the waiting aspect, suitable for medical or professional contexts.

the lobby

Refers to a more general entrance area, often in hotels or large buildings.

the anteroom

Implies a smaller room leading to a larger one, often more formal.

the foyer

Often used for theaters or homes, suggesting a grand entrance.

the entrance hall

Emphasizes the entry point of a building or house.

the welcome area

Highlights the welcoming function of the space.

the greeting area

Similar to welcome area, but emphasizes the act of greeting.

the front office

More specific to a business setting, where administrative tasks are handled.

the check-in area

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

the admission lounge

Typically used in healthcare facilities for initial patient processing.

FAQs

How can I use "the reception room" in a sentence?

You can use "the reception room" to describe the area where guests are greeted upon arrival, for example: "Please have a seat in the reception room, and the doctor will see you shortly."

What is another name for "the reception room"?

Alternative terms for "the reception room" include "the waiting room", "the lobby", or "the foyer", depending on the context and the specific features of the area.

Is it correct to say "reception area" instead of "the reception room"?

Yes, "reception area" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "the reception room". Both terms refer to the same area where guests or visitors are received.

What's the difference between "the reception room" and "the anteroom"?

"The reception room" is generally the first room a visitor enters, while "the anteroom" is a smaller room that leads into another, often more private, space. A reception room is primarily for greeting; an anteroom serves as a transition.