the recipient of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the recipient of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who receives something, such as an award, message, or gift. Example: "She was honored as the recipient of the prestigious award for her contributions to science."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Borg was the recipient of numerous awards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Joel was the recipient of various honours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Battle was the recipient of numerous awards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Caesar was the recipient of numerous honours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sternberg was the recipient of numerous honours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Johns was the recipient of numerous honours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shadbolt was the recipient of numerous honours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

George Lucas is the recipient of the Vanguard Award.

The New York Times

She was the recipient of many awards.

The New York Times

"From: The Recipient of a Great & Thoughtful Kindness".

The New York Times

But the recipient of the favor was no ordinary student.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In biographical sketches or CVs, use it to introduce a list of honors to maintain a professional and objective tone.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase when a direct verb would make the sentence more impactful. For instance, in narrative storytelling, "She received the award" is often stronger than "She was "the recipient of" the award", which can feel unnecessarily wordy or bureaucratic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the recipient of" functions as a complex noun phrase that identifies the entity at the terminal end of a transfer or action. According to Ludwig, it serves to substantivize the verb "receive", allowing the writer to focus on the identity of the person or thing rather than the timeline of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the recipient of" is a highly versatile and formal phrase that is essential for academic, journalistic and professional writing. It excels in contexts where an individual's achievements or roles need to be defined with clarity and dignity. Ludwig AI confirms that while it is most commonly associated with awards and honors, it is also frequently used in science to describe grant holders or in communication to identify the person intended to receive a message. For a more direct tone, writers might opt for active verbs, but to maintain a sophisticated and standard English style, this phrase remains a top-tier choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the receiver of

More literal and slightly less formal than the main phrase

the beneficiary of

Specifically implies that what is received provides a significant advantage or profit

the awardee of

Restricted specifically to the context of honors and formal prizes

the laureate of

Connotes extreme prestige, typically used for Nobel prizes or national honors

the addressee of

Focuses on the intended destination of a communication or package

the grantee of

Used in legal and financial contexts, particularly regarding land or funding

the target of

Often used when the thing being received is negative, such as criticism or an attack

the object of

Positions the subject as the focus of an emotion or abstract action

the person who received

A more verbal, active and less formal construction

the holder of

Suggests current possession rather than the act of receiving

FAQs

How to use "the recipient of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone getting an honor or item, such as "He was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal for his bravery".

What is the difference between "the recipient of" and "the beneficiary of"?

While both involve receiving, "the beneficiary of" implies that the person gained a specific advantage or help, whereas the main phrase is more neutral.

Can I say "the receiver of" instead?

Yes, "the receiver of" is a valid synonym, though it is often used for physical objects or electronic signals rather than prestigious awards.

When should I use "the awardee of" instead?

Use "the awardee of" specifically when referring to a person selected for a formal prize or recognition in an official announcement.