Formal Phrases for Acknowled

This grammar point relies on specific high-level verbs. You won't just use receber (to receive). That is too simple for a C1 level. Instead, you will use acusar or confirmar. These verbs are often paired with formal nouns like receção or recebimento. You also need to master the first-person plural. Even if you are one person, vimos (we come) is common. It represents your whole company or department. It sounds more authoritative and less personal. You also need to use the right prepositions. Most of these phrases follow a set structure. You cannot just mix and match words randomly. It is like a grammar traffic light. Green means use the set phrase. Red means don't get too creative.

1. 1To build a perfect acknowledgment, follow these three steps:
2. 2Start with the verb of action. Use Acusamos or Confirmamos for a formal start.
3. 3Add the formal noun for the object. Use a receção (common in Portugal) or o recebimento (common in Brazil).
4. 4Specify what you received. Use do seu e-mail, da sua mensagem, or dos documentos.
5. 5Example: Acusamos a receção do seu e-mail.
6. 6You can also add a polite follow-up. Use o qual merecerá a nossa melhor atenção. This means you will look at it carefully. It is the ultimate professional touch. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes by being too casual. Don't fall into that trap.

You should use these phrases in any formal setting. Use them when a client sends you a contract. Use them when a boss sends a department-wide memo. They are perfect for job interviews too. If a recruiter sends you details, acknowledge them formally. It shows you are serious about the role. Use them in official letters to government bodies. Use them when dealing with banks or legal teams. Basically, if you are wearing a tie or a blazer, use these phrases. It is better to be too formal than too casual. Nobody ever got fired for being too polite!

Do not use these phrases with your friends. If your buddy asks to meet for coffee, don't say Acuso a receção. They will think you have turned into a robot. Avoid them in very casual internal chats like Slack or WhatsApp. Unless, of course, the chat is with a high-level director. Do not use them in personal blog posts or social media. They are too stiff for a fun Instagram caption. If you are ordering a pizza, just say Obrigado. Don't try to acknowledge the receipt of the pepperoni. Keep it natural. Use the right tool for the right job.

The biggest mistake is confusing vimos and viemos. Vimos is the present tense (we come). Viemos is the past tense (we came). In formal letters, we use Vimos por este meio. This means "We come by this means." Another mistake is using receção in Brazil or recebimento in Portugal. While both are understood, they sound slightly "off" to local ears. Don't forget the contraction! It is do seu e-mail, not de o seu e-mail. Finally, don't be too wordy. Acknowledging receipt should be quick. Don't write a novel. Just confirm you got the file and move on.

Compare Acusamos a receção with Recebemos o seu e-mail. The first is C1 level. The second is A2 level. Both are correct. However, the first one commands respect. It sounds like a professional institution. The second sounds like a quick note. Also, compare Tomamos nota with Acusamos a receção. Tomamos nota means you have understood the information. Acusamos a receção just means you got the physical (or digital) item. Use Tomamos nota for feedback or instructions. Use Acusamos for files, payments, or letters.