In this digital age, we are constantly communicating with people through various mediums, including email, messaging apps, and social media platforms. And with this constant communication comes the need for understanding some of the technicalities that come with it. One such technicality is understanding the difference between sent and delivered.
While these two words may sound similar, they have entirely different meanings when it comes to communication. In this article, we will delve deeper into what these two terms mean and why it is essential to know the difference between them.
What is Sent?
The word “sent” is often used as a verb to describe the action of dispatching or transmitting a message or email. Once you hit the send button on your mail, it is released and sent to the recipient’s email address from your email server.
When you hit send, your mail or message gets transferred from your device to a server, which then re-routes it to the server of the recipient’s email service provider. Once the server receives the email, it is marked as sent.
However, there is a catch. Just because your email has been marked as sent does not mean that it has been delivered to the recipient’s inbox. Many things can happen between the sent stage and the delivered stage that can affect the email’s delivery process.
What is Delivered?
The word “delivered” implies that the email or message has made it to the recipient’s inbox or smartphone. Once the email enters the recipient’s email server, it undergoes filtering and sometimes spam checks. If the email passes these checks and gets marked as genuine, it gets delivered to the recipient’s inbox.
It’s important to mention that delivered status confirms that the email message has been sent to the recipient’s email server, not that the email has been opened or read. When an email is delivered, it means it has reached the intended recipient’s email server.
Difference Between Sent and Delivered
The primary difference between sent and delivered is that “sent” indicates that the email has been dispatched, and it has left your email server. In contrast, “delivered” confirms that the email has been successfully delivered to the intended recipient’s mail server.
Think of “sent” as “shipped” and “delivered” as “received.” If you order something online, the order is shipped when it leaves the warehouse. However, it is only received when it makes it to your doorstep. Similarly, emails are sent when they leave your email client, and they are delivered when they reach the recipient’s inbox.
Another difference is that an email can be marked as “sent” even if it hasn’t been delivered. This is possible when the email bounces back due to reasons such as an incorrect email address or issues on the recipient’s email server.
FAQs:
Now, let’s address some common questions about Sent and Delivered:
Q: Why is it essential to understand the difference between Sent and Delivered?
A: Understanding the difference between sent and delivered can help you track your emails’ progress and take appropriate steps when necessary. For instance, if an email is marked as sent but not delivered, you can check for issues like typos in the email address or contact the recipient to ensure they receive the email.
Q: What is the difference between sent and delivered in messaging apps?
A: The difference between sent and delivered in messaging apps is the same as in email. Sent means the message has been dispatched, while delivered means it has reached the intended recipient’s device.
Q: Can a message be delivered, but not read?
A: Yes, a message can be delivered, but not read. This occurs when the recipient receives the message but does not open it or mark it as read.
Q: What can I do if my email is not delivered after it has been sent?
A: If your email is not delivered, you can check for issues such as incorrect email addresses, full inboxes or contact the recipient to confirm if they have received the email.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between sent and delivered is vital in our modern-day communication. It helps us monitor the progress of our emails and take appropriate steps when necessary. Remember, just because an email is marked as sent doesn’t mean it has been delivered, so it’s essential to track it to ensure it gets to the intended recipient.