Cool MateReceive vs Takes
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Receive
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Takes
Top 1,000 (very common)
| Receive | Takes | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈsiːv/","/rɪˈsiːvz/","/rɪˈsiːvd/","/rɪˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈsiːv/","/rɪˈsiːvz/","/rɪˈsiːvd/","/rɪˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //teɪks//🇺🇸 //teɪks// |
| Meaning | to get something from someone | To grab or obtain something. |
| Example | I was excited to receive the package in the mail yesterday. | She takes a deep breath before speaking. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | regularly, automatically, currently, be entitled to, expect to, from, send and receive, transmit and receive, enthusiastically, favourably/favorably, warmly, with, regularly, automatically, currently, be entitled to, expect to, from, send and receive, transmit and receive, regularly, automatically, currently, be entitled to, expect to, from, send and receive, transmit and receive | take a break, take advantage, take a chance, take notes |
| Antonyms | give, send, offer | give, release, return |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'receive' with 'recieve' — the correct spelling has 'ie', 'Receive' is not used with 'to' — say 'receive a gift' not 'receive to a gift', Using 'receiving' as a noun — remember it's a verb or part of a verb phrase | Confused with 'bring' - understand who the action is directed towards., Using 'takes' as a noun form instead of a verb., Incorrect tense usage (e.g., saying 'taked' instead of 'took'). |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in both written and spoken English. Can be used in formal contexts, such as receiving awards, or informal situations like receiving a text message. Avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler terms like 'get' might fit better. | Use 'takes' for actions involving grabbing, receiving, or consuming. It's more common in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Receive vs Takes
What's the difference between Receive and Takes?
Receive: to get something from someone Takes: To grab or obtain something.
Can you show an example of each?
Receive: I was excited to receive the package in the mail yesterday. Takes: She takes a deep breath before speaking.
Can I use Receive and Takes interchangeably?
Not always. Receive and Takes are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.