Using the word “welcome” can be split into the adjective form and the verb form. Ensuring you know the difference between these two forms and when to use them is a key part of a better understanding of English rules. In this article, we’ll explain the difference.
Do You Say Welcome Or Welcomed?
“Welcome” should be used in the adjective form, as an interjection or as a present tense verb to describe something as wanted, appreciated, and accepted. “Welcomed” should be used in the verb form to talk about the action of wanting and appreciating something that is accepted.
How Do You Use “Welcomed” In A Sentence?
We think it makes sense to look at using “welcomed” in a sentence to kick us off. It’s usually the less likely version to show up, but we think it’s vital to understand when it works best.
“Welcomed” is only used when we’re talking about its verb form. You cannot use “welcomed” as an adjective or interjection.
- They welcomed me into their home.
- I welcomed the guests as soon as they arrived.
- He welcomed me to the company, and I felt like I belonged.
- I’ve never been welcomed in such a way before!
- She felt welcomed after arriving at the ball.
- We welcomed the change in weather.
As you can see, in this way, we’re always using the past tense verb of “to welcome” when we write “welcomed” in a sentence. There’s no other time when “welcomed” is used.
How Do You Use “Welcome” In A Sentence?
Unlike “welcomed,” “welcome” is much more common to use. It can be used as an adjective, verb, or interjection. In the following examples, we’ll be sure to include each form and demonstrate which one we use.
“Welcome” works as an adjective, interjection, and verb. It’s the more common word you’ll see in English.
- You are more than welcome! (Adjective)
- As always, suggestions are welcome with what we can change. (Adjective)
- At the doctor’s office, walk-ins are welcome. (Adjective)
- Oh, please! Gifts are welcome at this party! (Adjective)
- Your comments are welcome as always, so don’t hold back. (Adjective)
- Thank you for making me feel welcome. (Verb)
- I should welcome them when they arrive. (Verb)
- Do you need me to welcome him? (Verb)
- Welcome home! (Interjection)
- Welcome back! (Interjection)
We included as many variations as we could to help you understand when it’s used. It’s more common to come across it in the adjective form, which is why we included slightly more of those than any other one.
You’ll often see “are welcome” or “is welcome” when we’re using the adjective form. We’re talking about something that is welcome to us, meaning we’re happy to receive it (usually as a gift or a comment).
In the verb form, we use it as the present tense of “to welcome.” That means we’re ready to greet someone or something with appreciation whenever they show up.
As an interjection, “welcome” is used simply as a greeting. Just like “hello,” you can use “welcome” to greet someone, but it usually works best when you’re welcoming them into your home.
You’re Welcome, Or You’re Welcomed?
“You’re welcome” is the correct version to use because, without the contraction, the sentence is “you are welcome.” That means the object “you” is modified by the adjective “welcome.” “You’re welcomed” is incorrect because it uses the verb form in the past tense.
- Correct: You’re welcome to take a look around if you’d like.
- Incorrect: You’re welcomed for all the help I gave you!
- Correct: You’re welcome to more food if you’d like it.
- Incorrect: You’re welcomed to this house anytime you’d like!
From these examples, you can see that “you’re welcome” is the only acceptable choice. We need to include it as an adjective whenever we write the saying in this way.
In the verb form, “you’re welcomed” is rarely correct, so it’s best to avoid it.
You may also like: 25 Best Replies To “You’re Welcome” (Formal & Friendly)
Feel Welcome Or Feel Welcomed?
“Feel welcomed” is the correct version because we’re “feeling” an action, meaning we need the verb form “welcomed” when we’re talking in the past tense. However, “feel welcome” also works when we’re using the present tense of the verb.
- Past:I feel welcomed by this household!
- Present:You should feel welcome to help yourself with any snacks.
- Past:She feels welcomed by us, which is a great start!
- Present:Feel welcome to take anything you fancy out of the boxes!
From these, “feel welcomed” is used for reacting to things that have already happened. “Feel welcome” is used to encourage us to take part in something that is welcomed in the future or present tense.
Feedback Is Welcome, Or Feedback Is Welcomed?
Both “feedback is welcome” and “feedback is welcomed” are correct. “Feedback is welcome” is the more appropriate version and the more common one here. It uses the adjective to describe the “feedback” as acceptable and delightful to receive.
- Adjective: At the end of this meeting, feedback is welcome!
- Verb: Before you leave, you can have a chat with me! Feedback is welcomed!
- Adjective: Feedback is welcome at this company, so share your ideas!
- Verb: Your feedback is welcomed anytime you want to share it.
Since both forms are correct, we didn’t want to give you a “correct” and “incorrect” example. Instead, you can see it in the verb form and the adjective form.
As feedback is used synonymous with suggestions, we want to show you that following sentences are also correct:
- At the end of the lecture, suggestions are welcome!
- Please come to my office before you leave for the day. Suggestions are welcomed!
Remember, the adjective form is the more popular choice of the two.
Quiz: Welcome Vs. Welcomed
Finally, let’s see if you can put your new knowledge to the test to see what you’ve learned. We’ll include some multiple choice answers to determine whether it’s “welcome” or “welcomed.” You can compare your answers at the end.
- You’re (A. welcome / B. welcomed) to anything I have!
- I feel (A. welcome / B. welcomed) because of your attitude!
- You were (A. welcome / B. welcomed) into this house, so be grateful.
- (A. welcome / B. welcomed) to the hotel! We hope you have a great stay.
- You are not (A. welcome / B. welcomed) here!
Quiz Answers
- A
- A / B (both tenses are correct depending on the context)
- B
- A
- A