Cool MateIntake vs Reception
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Intake
Reception
| Intake | Reception | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪnteɪk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪnteɪk/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈsepʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈsepʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | The amount of something that is taken in, like food or information. | The act of receiving or a place to welcome people. |
| Example | The hospital increased its patient intake during the flu season. | The reception for the wedding was held at a beautiful hotel. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | high, moderate, low, have, maintain, boost, high, low, balanced, have, air, water, block, clog, clog up, quick, sharp, give, hear, an intake of breath | report to, call, call down to, area, lobby, counter, at reception, at the reception, in reception, big, large, lavish, attend, give, have, room, at a/the reception, reception for, enthusiastic, favourable/favorable, friendly, enjoy, get, have, party, centre/center, reception by, reception from, reception into, good, strong, bad, enthusiastic, favourable/favorable, friendly, enjoy, get, have, party, centre/center, reception by, reception from, reception into |
| Antonyms | output, expenditure | departure, exit |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'intake' with 'input' - 'intake' is specifically about consumption., Using 'intake' without specifying what is being taken in., Mispronouncing 'intake' as 'in-take' instead of 'in-tayk'. | Confused with 'receipt' — a document acknowledging payment., Used as a verb instead of as a noun., Mispronounced, especially stressing the wrong syllable. |
| Usage notes | Use 'intake' when discussing consumption, like food or data. Not typically used in casual conversation, more common in formal or technical contexts. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Commonly refers to events or gatherings (like a wedding reception) or front desks in offices. Not appropriate for casual situations unrelated to welcoming or receiving. |
Frequently asked questions: Intake vs Reception
What's the difference between Intake and Reception?
Intake: The amount of something that is taken in, like food or information. Reception: The act of receiving or a place to welcome people.
Which is more common: Intake and Reception?
Reception is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Intake and Reception?
Intake is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Intake and Reception the same CEFR level?
Intake: C1, Reception: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Intake and Reception?
Intake: noun, Reception: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Intake: The hospital increased its patient intake during the flu season. Reception: The reception for the wedding was held at a beautiful hotel.
Can I use Intake and Reception interchangeably?
Not always. Intake and Reception are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.