To “acknowledge receipt” means to inform the sender that something they sent has been received. This phrase is commonly used in business correspondence and formal communication to confirm that a document, package, or message has arrived.
Meaning and usage:
The phrase is often employed in professional contexts, such as in emails, letters, or memos, to provide assurance to the sender that their item has been received. This acknowledgment is important in business practices as it establishes a record of communication and helps prevent misunderstandings.
Examples of usage:
In business correspondence:
“In a letter to a shoe company, Mary wrote, ‘I’m happy to acknowledge receipt of four dozen pairs of shoes.'”
In confirming a bill:
“John acknowledged receipt of the bill.”
When a package is missing:
“The package hasn’t arrived, so I’m unable to acknowledge receipt.”
Why and when to use this idiom:
“Acknowledge receipt” is a formal phrase typically used in business settings to confirm the arrival of correspondence or items. English learners can use this expression when writing or responding to formal communication, especially in professional contexts where confirmation of receipt is necessary.
Equivalent expressions:
- “Confirm receipt” – A similar phrase indicating that something has been received and acknowledged.
- “Received with thanks” – A polite way to acknowledge receipt, often used in less formal correspondence.
- “Received and noted” – Indicates that something has been received and understood.
Using “acknowledge receipt” conveys professionalism and clarity in communication, making it an essential phrase for business correspondence and formal interactions.
