until you receive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "until you receive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a condition or timeframe that lasts up to the moment of receiving something, often in contexts involving communication or delivery. Example: "Please hold off on making any decisions until you receive the final report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The state of the environment is hidden because you cannot know for certain (until you receive your drink), which state you are in.

Harvard University

Once you've demanded an apology, you can logically continue to demand it until you receive it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Please wait until you receive an email notification to pick up your package.

Princeton University

Your reservations are not considered final until you receive a confirmation email from CCE.

Columbia University

We will email you with confirmation of receipt so hold on to your exam until you receive confirmation.

Stanford University

You cannot begin to apply for financial aid at HLS until you receive an offer of admission.

Harvard University

Please do not attempt to use the system until you receive a confirmation email stating that the upgrade is complete.

Columbia University

Your registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email from the Office of Career Services.

Columbia University

So he tarried for the Lord, which means shouting "Thank you, Jesus!" and "Hallelujah!" until you receive the gift of tongues.

The New Yorker

If you think three years is a long time to wait until you receive your degree, just imagine waiting 70 years for it.

Independent

You reading this off a card?" "No, this is just a follow-up to make sure your file stays intact until you receive the benefits you're entitled to".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "until you receive", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being received. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Wait until you receive," specify "Wait until you receive the confirmation email".

Common error

A common mistake is to use "until you receive" without specifying what is being received. This can lead to confusion. Always clarify what the subject is expected to receive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until you receive" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an adverbial clause of time. It specifies the duration of an action or state, indicating it continues up to the point of receiving something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "until you receive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that introduces an adverbial clause of time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. It serves to define a time frame that extends up to the point of obtaining something, frequently serving in contexts such as academia, news, and media. When using "until you receive", ensure that the object being received is clearly specified to prevent any potential ambiguity for the reader. Alternatives such as "before you obtain" or "prior to getting" may be employed depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before you obtain

Replaces "receive" with "obtain", focusing on the act of getting something.

prior to getting

Uses "getting" as a more informal alternative to "receiving".

in anticipation of receiving

Emphasizes the expectation of receiving something.

pending your receipt of

A more formal and passive construction.

before the arrival of

Focuses on the arrival, which is synonymous with receiving in some contexts.

until you are in receipt of

Uses a more formal and passive construction of "receiving".

wait for it to be delivered

Specifies a means of receiving something through delivery.

hold on until acquisition

Focuses on the moment of acquiring something.

not before acceptance

Highlights that something must be accepted before moving forward.

awaiting its attainment

Uses a more formal vocabulary to convey the action of getting something.

FAQs

What does "until you receive" mean?

The phrase "until you receive" indicates a period of waiting that lasts up to the moment when someone gets something. The "something" may be tangible (like a package) or intangible (like an email).

How can I use "until you receive" in a sentence?

You can use "until you receive" to give instructions involving a period of waiting. For example: "Do not make travel arrangements "until you receive" your confirmation email."

What can I say instead of "until you receive"?

Alternatives include "before you get", "prior to obtaining", or "pending receipt", depending on the level of formality you need.

Is it better to use "until you receive" or "when you receive"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Until you receive" emphasizes the waiting period, while "when you receive" focuses on the action that should be taken after receiving something.