welcoming reception

USAGE SUMMARY

'welcoming reception' is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English
It refers to a warm and friendly greeting or hospitality shown towards someone. You can use the phrase 'welcoming reception' in various situations, such as when describing a pleasant experience at a party or event, or when discussing the friendly atmosphere at a hotel or restaurant. Here is an example of the phrase in a sentence: "The new employee was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming reception he received on his first day at the office, with his coworkers showing him around and making him feel at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"There was some kind of welcoming reception for my dad," Walker said.

The New Yorker

The quaint and welcoming reception even has a piano in it.

The Guardian - Travel

He received a much more welcoming reception Wednesday when he was introduced as the new coach of Southern California.

The New York Times - Sports

Twenty months later, Kayak is finally on the public markets, and so far has found a welcoming reception.

The New York Times

"There already is an Adlington," her mother, Kay, told a welcoming reception at Mansfield civic centre firmly.

The Guardian - Sport

The enthusiastic supporters waiting with their their "End Tory Rule For Ever" banners--can any other party organise this sort of welcoming reception on a working day?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The host committee, whose chairman is former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, organizes welcoming receptions, hospitality events, transportation, security and other activities outside the convention hall.

The New York Times

Yesterday's other scheduled events included receptions by Americans for Tax Reform at the New York Yacht Club, the Edison Electric Institute at Cipriani's and an industry party for the House Financial Services Committee at the Rainbow Room (as well as a number of welcoming receptions, including one by The New York Times at the new home of Jazz at Lincoln Center at the Time Warner Center).

The New York Times

Feb. 20: At a reception welcoming former Senator Bob Kerrey as president of the New School, the Clintons join Mr. Kerrey and fellow Manhattanites William Weld and Mario Cuomo in calling for New York City to be renamed "The Big Elba".

The New York Times

Winters and her wife, Andrea Vettori, were invited to the White House reception welcoming the pontiff to the United States.

Los Angeles Times

Justice Sonia Sotomayor is no slouch when it comes to jewelry (see a slideshow of her impressive collection here), so First Lady Michelle Obama stepped it up in the accessories department at a reception welcoming the Supreme Court's latest addition.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Apply the phrase in figurative contexts when discussing how new ideas, public figures or policies are greeted by the public.

Common error

Avoid using "welcoming reception" when you specifically mean an organized social event for newcomers; in that case, "welcome reception" is the standard compound noun used to name the event itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "welcoming reception" functions as a noun phrase where 'welcoming' is a present participle used as an adjective modifying the noun 'reception'. According to Ludwig, it serves to attribute a specific quality of warmth and openness to the act of receiving someone or something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "welcoming reception" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to denote a friendly and inviting greeting. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread presence in reputable journalism and scientific literature, where it describes both physical spaces and social reactions. Unlike a "welcome reception", which typically refers to a scheduled event, "welcoming reception" focuses on the subjective quality of the experience. It is most effective when used to highlight a positive atmosphere or a favorable public response to an individual or idea. Overall, it is a highly reliable choice for writers seeking to convey warmth and hospitality in a professional manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warm welcome

Uses a more common idiom that is shorter and more direct

hospitable reception

Emphasizes the quality of hospitality and generosity

gracious reception

Adds a layer of elegance and formal politeness

cordial reception

Suggests a polite, professional and respectful greeting

amiable reception

Uses a more sophisticated adjective to describe friendliness

friendly greeting

Focuses more on the interpersonal exchange than the atmosphere

kindly reception

Suggests a gentle and compassionate manner of greeting

positive reception

Focuses on the favorable reaction to an idea or product

enthusiastic reception

Highlights a high level of excitement or energy

favorable reception

Specifically denotes that the subject was well-received or approved

FAQs

How do I use "welcoming reception" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a greeting or an environment, for example: "The author received a "welcoming reception" from the local community during the book signing."

What is the difference between "welcoming reception" and "welcome reception"?

A "welcome reception" is a specific event or party held to greet someone, while a "welcoming reception" describes the warm and inviting quality of a greeting or a space.

Is "welcoming reception" formal enough for business writing?

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for professional contexts. You might also consider "cordial reception" or "hospitable reception" for a slightly more formal tone.

Can I use "welcoming reception" for a place?

Absolutely. It is common in travel and healthcare writing to describe a "welcoming reception area" that makes visitors feel comfortable.