a message

USAGE SUMMARY

"a message" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a communication (in any form, such as an email or a letter) sent to someone. For example: "The CEO sent out a message to all the employees reminding them of the company's policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're sending a message.

The New York Times

It's just a message.

The New York Times - Books

He left a message.

The New York Times

From a message board.

The New York Times - Sports

Was there a message?

The New York Times

Was a message intended?

The New York Times

A message came in.

The New Yorker

Was this a message?

The New Yorker

A message from beyond?

The New York Times - Arts

Send us a message.

The New Yorker

Maybe it's a message.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose "a message" when you want to refer to a specific piece of communication, whether written, spoken, or conveyed through actions.

Common error

In very formal or academic writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "communication", "declaration", or "statement" to avoid sounding too simplistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a message" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves as the direct object, indirect object, or subject complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a message" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase referring to a communication or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its frequent appearance across various sources, particularly in news and media, demonstrates its widespread applicability. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives like "communication" or "statement" in academic contexts. The examples highlight its use in diverse scenarios, from sending a text to conveying an underlying meaning. Therefore, "a message" remains a reliable and effective choice for expressing the concept of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a text

Replaces "message" with a digital communication sent via mobile devices.

an email

Replaces "message" with an electronic mail communication.

a communication

Replaces "message" with a broader term for conveying information.

a note

Substitutes "message" with a short, informal written communication.

a statement

Substitutes "message" with a formal account or declaration.

an announcement

Replaces "message" with a public or official notification.

a bulletin

Replaces "message" with a brief account or statement, especially in news reports.

a signal

Substitutes "message" with an action or object used to convey information non-verbally.

a dispatch

Substitutes "message" with an official report sent to a central authority.

an indication

Replaces "message" with something that points to or suggests a fact or conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "a message" in a sentence?

You can use "a message" to refer to a communication conveyed through various means. For example, "He left "a note" as a message" or "The painting sends "a communication"".

What are some alternatives to "a message"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a communication", "a note", "a statement", or "an announcement".

Is it better to say "a message" or "the message"?

The choice between "a message" and "the message" depends on whether you are referring to a specific message already mentioned (use "the message") or introducing a general concept of a message (use "a message").

Can "a message" refer to non-verbal communication?

Yes, "a message" can refer to communication conveyed through actions, symbols, or other non-verbal means. For example, "His actions sent "an indication" even if he didn't speak".