Meaning & use
in receipt
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phraseformal
Having received something, especially money, a letter or an official document.
Grammar: Followed by 'of' and a noun: in receipt of a letter. It describes a state, not an action.
Patterns
- be in receipt of something
- in receipt of a letter
- in receipt of payment
We are in receipt of your application and will reply within ten days.
She is in receipt of a monthly pension from the company.
The charity is now in receipt of the funds raised at the event.
phrasefixed phraseformal
Used in formal writing to mean having been given or sent something.
Grammar: Often appears in passive or official statements: All members in receipt of the notice should reply.
Patterns
- in receipt of a notice
- in receipt of benefits
Anyone in receipt of the notice must respond by Friday.
Families in receipt of housing benefits may qualify for extra help.
Common combinations
- be in receipt of something
- We are in receipt of your email.
- in receipt of payment
- The seller is now in receipt of payment.
- in receipt of a letter
- I am in receipt of a letter from the bank.
- in receipt of benefits
- People in receipt of benefits can apply for a discount.
Synonyms and how they differ
- having received
- A plain, less formal way to say the same thing; it uses an active verb form.
- in possession of
- Similar structure but means having something physically, not having received it.
Word family
Commonly confused: in receipt or reception?
in receipt vs reception
A reception is a formal party or the place where visitors arrive, not the act of receiving something.
Practice
We are in receipt ______ your letter dated 5 May.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'in receipt of' something. The other prepositions do not complete this expression.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “in receipt”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.