receive a parcel

Meaning

To get a package or box delivered to you, usually by mail or a courier service. This is a very common phrase used when talking about online shopping or mail delivery. The tone is completely neutral and practical.

Examples

• I need to stay home today because I'm expecting to receive a parcel.

  I need to stay home today because I'm expecting to receive a parcel.

• Did you receive a parcel from your grandparents this morning?

  Did you receive a parcel from your grandparents this morning?

• She was excited to receive a parcel containing her new laptop.

  She was excited to receive a parcel containing her new laptop.

• If I am not there to receive a parcel, please leave it with the neighbor.

  If I am not there to receive a parcel, please leave it with the neighbor.

• He received a parcel yesterday but has not opened it yet.

  He received a parcel yesterday but has not opened it yet.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I accepted a parcel from the mailman yesterday.

  ✓ I received a parcel from the mailman yesterday.

  'Accept' means to agree to take something, while 'receive' simply means to get it. 'Receive' is the standard verb for getting mail.

• ✗ Did you receive a package box?

  ✓ Did you receive a parcel?

  Learners often combine 'package' and 'box' awkwardly. Use 'parcel' or 'package' on its own.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I had to sign a form when I went to ___ at the post office.

  💡 get a package

  Show answer

  receive a parcel

• Did you ___ from Amazon today?

  💡 get a delivered box

  Show answer

  receive a parcel