The confusion between receive and recieve is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English. Because the letters i and e appear together, many writers accidentally put them in the wrong order.
The correct spelling is receive, while recieve is incorrect. Learning a simple spelling rule can help you remember the correct form every time.
Quick Answer
- Receive is the correct spelling.
- Recieve is a misspelling.
Correct Examples
- I received your email.
- Did you receive the package?
- She hopes to receive good news soon.
What Does “Receive” Mean?
Receive is a verb that means:
- to get something
- to be given something
- to accept or obtain something
Examples of Receive
- I received a birthday gift.
- Did you receive my message?
- The company received several applications.
- She received praise for her work.
Why “Recieve” Is Incorrect
The spelling recieve reverses the order of the letters e and i.
Correct Spelling
- r-e-c-e-i-v-e
Incorrect Spelling
- r-e-c-i-e-v-e
In standard English dictionaries, only receive is correct.
Receive vs Recieve: Main Difference
| Word | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Receive | Correct | To get or obtain something |
| Recieve | Incorrect | Misspelling |
The Famous Spelling Rule
A common spelling rule says:
“I before E, except after C.”
Since receive comes after the letter c, the pattern becomes:
- e before i
Examples Following This Rule
- receive
- receipt
- deceive
- ceiling
Common Forms of Receive
| Form | Word |
|---|---|
| Base Verb | receive |
| Past Tense | received |
| Past Participle | received |
| Present Participle | receiving |
Examples
- I receive emails daily.
- She received a promotion.
- They are receiving visitors.
Common Mistakes People Make
Mistake 1: Writing Recieve
Incorrect:
- I did not recieve the package.
Correct:
- I did not receive the package.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the “After C” Rule
Remember:
- C → EI
Mistake 3: Misspelling Related Words
Correct forms include:
- received
- receiving
- receiver
American vs British English Differences
There is no spelling difference.
Both Use:
- receive
Both Reject:
- recieve
Examples in Everyday Sentences
Correct Sentences With “Receive”
- Please receive my sincere thanks.
- We received the documents yesterday.
- She hopes to receive a scholarship.
- Customers receive a confirmation email.
Incorrect Sentences With “Recieve”
- I will recieve the package tomorrow. ❌
- She recieved an award. ❌
Easy Memory Trick
Remember the classic rhyme:
“I before E, except after C.”
Since the word contains c:
- rec + ei + ve
So write:
- receive
Not:
- recieve
Related Words and LSI Keywords
Here are related phrases connected to receive or recieve:
- receive meaning
- receive spelling
- common spelling mistakes
- i before e rule
- English grammar tips
- received spelling
- receiving meaning
- frequently misspelled words
- English vocabulary
- correct spelling of receive
FAQs About Receive or Recieve
Which spelling is correct: receive or recieve?
Receive is the correct spelling.
Is recieve a real word?
No. It is considered a spelling mistake.
Why is receive spelled with “ei”?
Because it follows the common rule:
- “I before E, except after C.”
What does receive mean?
It means to get, obtain, or accept something.
How do you use receive in a sentence?
Example:
- I received your message this morning.
Do British and American English spell it differently?
No. Both use receive.
What is the past tense of receive?
The past tense is received.
Final Thoughts on Receive vs Recieve
The difference between receive or recieve is simple: receive is the correct spelling, and recieve is a common misspelling. Because the word follows the classic “I before E, except after C” rule, remembering the letter sequence becomes much easier.
