If you’re wondering whether received or recieved is correct, the answer is simple: received is the correct spelling. Recieved is a common spelling mistake and should never be used in English.
Many people accidentally switch the letters I and E when writing this word. Since both spellings sound the same, it’s easy to make the mistake. The good news is that it’s also easy to remember the correct version.
In this guide, you’ll learn the correct spelling, why people often write recieved, and how to use received correctly with clear examples.
Received or Recieved: Quick Answer
✅ Received is the correct spelling.
❌ Recieved is incorrect.
Always use received when talking about something you got, accepted, or were given in the past.
Examples
- ✅ I received your email.
- ✅ She received an award.
- ✅ We received the package yesterday.
- ❌ I recieved your message.
- ❌ They recieved the payment.
Which Spelling Is Correct?
The correct spelling is received.
The word recieved is not accepted in standard English and is considered a spelling error.
Whenever you write about receiving something in the past, always choose received.
Why Is “Received” Correct?
The word received comes from the verb receive.
To make it past tense, simply add -ed.
- Receive → Received
The spelling does not change.
A simple way to remember it is:
“I before E, except after C.”
Since the letters come after C, the correct order is EI.
Examples of “Received” in Sentences
Here are some everyday examples.
- I received your text this morning.
- She received a promotion at work.
- We received the documents yesterday.
- They received excellent customer service.
- He received a birthday gift from his friends.
- The school received new computers.
- Have you received my email?
- Your application has been received successfully.
These examples show how received is used in everyday conversations, emails, and formal writing.
Common Mistakes
Many writers accidentally spell the word incorrectly.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| ❌ Recieved | ✅ Received |
| ❌ I recieved your email. | ✅ I received your email. |
| ❌ She has recieved the package. | ✅ She has received the package. |
| ❌ We recieved your order. | ✅ We received your order. |
Before sending an email or submitting your work, take a moment to check that you’ve written received, not recieved.
Received vs. Recieved: Quick Comparison
| Word | Is It Correct? | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Received | ✅ Yes | The past tense and past participle of receive. |
| Recieved | ❌ No | A spelling mistake. It should never be used. |
The answer is always the same:
- ✅ Received = Correct
- ❌ Recieved = Incorrect
Tips to Remember the Correct Spelling
If you often confuse received and recieved, these simple tips can help.
- Remember the rule: “I before E, except after C.”
- The word receive is spelled with EI, so received keeps the same spelling.
- Read your email or document before sending it to catch spelling mistakes.
- Use spell check as a final check, but don’t rely on it completely.
Once you remember receive → received, the correct spelling becomes much easier.
When Should You Use “Received”?
Use received whenever you talk about getting or accepting something in the past.
Emails
- I received your email this morning.
Packages
- We received the package yesterday.
Payments
- The company received the payment on time.
Awards
- She received an award for her hard work.
Messages
- Have you received my text?
No matter the situation, the correct spelling is always received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “received” the correct spelling?
Yes. Received is the correct spelling. Recieved is incorrect.
Why do people spell it “recieved”?
People often switch the letters I and E by mistake because both spellings sound the same.
Is “recieved” a real English word?
No. Recieved is not a correct English word and is not accepted in standard dictionaries.
How do you spell “received”?
The correct spelling is:
R-E-C-E-I-V-E-D
Notice that EI comes after the letter C.
What is the difference between “received” and “receive”?
Receive is the base verb.
Received is the past tense and past participle.
Examples:
- I receive many emails every day.
- I received your email yesterday.
Can I use “received” in formal writing?
Yes. Received is correct for business emails, reports, school assignments, resumes, and all other formal writing.
Final Thoughts
The confusion between received and recieved is common, but the correct spelling is easy to remember.
Keep these points in mind:
- ✅ Received is the correct spelling.
- ❌ Recieved is always incorrect.
- Received is the past tense and past participle of receive.
- Remember the spelling rule: “I before E, except after C.”
Whether you’re writing an email, completing homework, or preparing a business document, using received correctly helps your writing look more accurate and professional.
If you also want to learn about the base verb, check out our guide on Receive or Recieve to understand the correct spelling and usage of receive.
I started writing about English word differences after years of teaching students who kept making the same mistakes. My focus is on making spelling rules feel simple and easy to remember. At WordsCombo, I turn confusing word pairs into clear comparisons.
