Many English learners often get confused between the words “recieved” and “received.” This is a common spelling problem because the letters “i” and “e” are swapped in one of the forms.
Choosing the correct spelling is important, especially in formal writing, emails, schoolwork, or professional communication. Understanding the difference between these two words ensures your writing looks professional and correct.
In this article, we will clarify the confusion, explain the correct usage, provide examples, and give tips to remember the difference. By the end, you will confidently know which form to use and avoid this common mistake.
Quick Answer
The correct spelling is “received.” The word “recieved” is always wrong. Remember the rule: “i before e except after c” applies here, so it is received, not recieved.
Meaning and Definition of Each Word
1. Received
Definition: The past tense and past participle of the verb “receive”, which means to get or accept something.
Explanation: When someone gives you something, or when something comes to you, you have received it.
Example Sentences:
- I received your email yesterday.
- She received a gift for her birthday.
- The package was received by the post office on Monday.
2. Recieved
It is a common spelling mistake.
Explanation: People often confuse the order of i and e after the letter c, but this form is incorrect.
Example Sentence:
- ❌ I recieved your message. (Incorrect)
- ✅ I received your message. (Correct)
Key Differences Between “Recieved” and “Received”
Here are the main differences in a simple way:
- Correct Spelling: “Received” is correct, “recieved” is incorrect.
- Meaning: Only received has a meaning, which is the past form of receive.
- Usage: Use received when referring to something you got in the past.
- Common Error: Swapping the letters “i” and “e” after c leads to recieved, which is always wrong.
Bullet Points:
- ✅ Received → Correct spelling, means “got” or “accepted.”
- Recieved → Incorrect spelling, should never be used.
- Rule: “i before e, except after c” → applies here (receive → received).
Comparison Table
| Word | Meaning | Usage | Example |
| Received | Past tense of “receive”; got | Used in emails, letters, daily speech | I received your package. |
| Recieved | ❌ Incorrect spelling | ❌ Do not use | ❌ I recieved your message. |
Examples in Sentences
- I received an invitation to the wedding.
- Have you received the documents I sent?
- He received excellent feedback on his project.
- The students received their certificates at the ceremony.
- We received the payment last night.
- She was happy to receive a compliment from her teacher.
Incorrect Examples (for awareness):
- I recieved your call.
- She recieved the package yesterday.
- He recieved many awards for his work.
Always replace recieved with received.
Common Mistakes
Many people make mistakes with received because of the “i before e” confusion.
Incorrect vs Correct Usage:
| Incorrect | Correct |
| I recieved your email. | I received your email. |
| She recieved a gift. | She received a gift. |
| We recieved the package. | We received the package. |
Tip: If you are unsure, remember the rule “i before e except after c.”
Tips to Remember the Difference
- Mnemonic Trick: “Receive the ‘i’ after ‘c’.” → Remember receive → received.
- Always write “c” before “e” when using this word.
- Think of received as a word related to accepting or getting something.
- When in doubt, check the spelling online or in a dictionary.
When to Use Each Word
Since recieved is wrong, you should only use received. Here are situations where received is correct:
- Emails and Letters
- “I have received your email regarding the meeting.”
- Packages or Mail
- “The package was received this morning.”
- Feedback or Awards
- “She received many compliments for her presentation.”
- Formal Writing
- “All applications must be received before March 31.”
- Daily Conversations
- “I received your text yesterday.”
Grammar Rules Related to “Received”
- Part of Speech: Verb (past tense of receive)
- Tense Usage: Past simple and past participle
- Past simple: I received the package.
- Present perfect: I have received the package.
- Past simple: I received the package.
- Spelling Rule: i before e, except after c → receive → received
Synonyms or Related Words
Some related words to receive/received are:
- Accept / Accepted
- Get / Got
- Obtain / Obtained
- Collect / Collected
- Acquire / Acquired
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is “recieved” correct?
❌ No, “recieved” is always incorrect. The correct form is received.
2. How do I remember the spelling of “received”?
Remember the rule: “i before e except after c.” Think “receive → received.”
3. Can I use “recieved” in casual writing?
No, even in casual writing, it is a spelling mistake. Always use received.
4. What is the meaning of received?
Received means something that you got, accepted, or was delivered to you.
5. Is “received” a verb or noun?
It is the past tense and past participle of the verb receive.
6. Are there any exceptions to “i before e except after c”?
Yes, some words like “science” or “weird” are exceptions, but receive and received follow the rule correctly.
Conclusion
Always remember the rule “i before e except after c” when writing this word. Use received in emails, letters, formal writing, and daily conversation whenever you talk about getting or accepting something. With practice and attention, you will never confuse these words again.
