Acknowledge the same

[nyggus]

Hi. Often I receive e-mails with a sentence "Please acknowledge receiving of the same" in the meaning "Please acknowledge receiving this message". Is it correct?

Thanks,
Nyggus

[Tdol]

I don't like it- I'd use something plainer:
Please acknowledge receipt of this email.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by Tdol

I don't like it- I'd use something plainer:
Please acknowledge receipt of this email.

Yes, it's horrid. It's also wrong - the 'same' should refer to something mentioned in the e-mail:

Later this week, I shall be sending you a formal letter by post. Please acknowledge same...

b

[nyggus]

Horrid and wrong, but - unfortunately - used. Fortunately - not by me!

Thanks,
Nyggus

[dihen]

Originally Posted by Tdol

I don't like it- I'd use something plainer:
Please acknowledge receipt of this email.

Why no article "the" before "receipt"?

[BobK]

Originally Posted by dihen

Why no article "the" before "receipt"?

When it's an abstract noun [='the fact of having received'], 'receipt' is uncountable.

When it's a concrete noun [=physical proof of purchase], 'receipt' is countable.

Abstract:

Please acknowledge receipt.

Concrete:

I bought this here last week, but I washed the receipt in my jeans pocket.

b

[dihen]

Originally Posted by BobK

When it's an abstract noun [='the fact of having received'], 'receipt' is uncountable.

"The" can be used with uncountable nouns like "bread". The bread "the bread" is still an uncountable noun.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by dihen

"The" can be used with uncountable nouns like "bread". The bread "the bread" is still an uncountable noun.

In this case, though, countability is relevant.

b