welcome

USAGE SUMMARY

"welcome" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to greet someone or to express acceptance of something. Example: Welcome to our store! We look forward to helping you find what you need.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's welcome to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is welcome.

The New York Times

"I welcome it".

The New York Times - Tech

"If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us".

The Economist

You're welcome.

The New York Times

You are not welcome among us.

The Economist

I came away feeling that if I wasn't already a Liberal Democrat, Nick's welcome references to sticking to our own values and beliefs may have been a tad confusing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The growth package here was welcome but inadequate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Waters said while Unesco's world heritage committee would welcome the end to offshore dredge dumping, it would "not be impressed" with the fact Abbot Point itself would proceed.

The Guardian

It gives the ecosystem a holistic boost, encouraging wildlife like bush pigeons and rabbits to return, and providing welcome human benefits such as wood cuttings for cooking and new food sources such as tamarind.

The Guardian

"It's our opportunity to give Queen Elizabeth a welcome to remember in front of an audience of over 30 million people tuned in worldwide".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "welcome" as an adjective, ensure it clearly modifies the noun it precedes, enhancing readability. For example, use "a welcome change" instead of "welcome change" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "welcome" as a direct command in formal writing. Instead of just writing "Welcome!", provide more context, like "Welcome to our website!" or "We welcome your feedback."

Linguistic Context

The word "welcome" functions as a versatile term, capable of acting as a verb, noun, adjective, or interjection. As noted by Ludwig, it's frequently employed to express greetings, acceptance, or acknowledgement. Its usage ranges from formally greeting someone to gladly receiving ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "welcome" is a highly versatile word with multiple grammatical functions, ranging from a verb expressing acceptance to an interjection used for greetings. As affirmed by Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, as seen in news articles. It is commonly used to express hospitality, acceptance, or gratitude. While "welcome" maintains a generally neutral register, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriate usage, like specifying what is being welcomed. With numerous authoritative sources using the term, its frequency and relevance in contemporary English are well-established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

You're very welcome

A polite response to thank you.

Give a warm reception to

Emphasizes the positive and friendly manner in which someone is received.

Receive with open arms

Illustrates a hearty and enthusiastic acceptance, indicating genuine warmth and approval.

Warm greeting

Emphasizes the friendliness and cordiality of the welcome.

Cordial reception

Highlights the politeness and formality of the welcome.

Open arms

Implies a very enthusiastic and accepting welcome.

Gladly accept

Focuses on the willingness and pleasure in receiving something.

Extend hospitality

Stresses the act of providing a friendly and generous welcome.

Make someone feel at home

Focuses on ensuring comfort and belonging for the welcomed individual.

Be my guest

Indicates permission or invitation to enjoy something freely.

FAQs

How can I use "welcome" in a sentence?

You can use "welcome" as a verb, noun, adjective, or interjection. For example: "We "welcome" new members" (verb), "They received a warm "welcome"" (noun), "A "welcome" change" (adjective), or "Welcome to the party!" (interjection).

What are some alternatives to saying "You're welcome"?

Instead of "You're welcome", you could say "My pleasure", "No problem", "Don't mention it", or "It was nothing", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Welcome" without any additional words?

Yes, "Welcome" can be used alone as an interjection to greet someone upon arrival. However, in formal writing, it's often better to provide additional context, such as "Welcome to our website".

What is the difference between "welcome" as a verb and as a noun?

As a verb, "welcome" means to greet someone or accept something gladly. As a noun, it refers to the act of greeting or the reception itself. For example: "We "welcome" your suggestions" (verb) versus "They gave him a warm "welcome"" (noun).