articulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "articulate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who speaks clearly and effectively, or to describe a well-structured and thought-out idea or argument. For example: "The Senator was very articulate in presenting her argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If we're running a race against their most articulate guy," Steve Schmidt, John McCain's former campaign manager, told me, referring to President Obama, "we should put our most articulate guy.

The Economist

At the other end of the political spectrum, Bennett impressed most, with four describing her as "strong, confident and articulate".

The Guardian

But they've shown themselves to be articulate, successful activists.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's nothing offensive about Cathy – she's kind and articulate.

The Guardian

Paul Chamberlain is articulate, impossibly cheerful in the face of adversity and heroic – a Briton of the sort you might have thought would be seen no more after Lawrence Oates strode into the Antarctic snowstorm in an effort to save Scott and his other companions.

The Guardian

He's clever, articulate and says America has lost faith in its political system.

The Guardian - Opinion

By denying the existence of class conflict they usually end up fighting on behalf of the prosperous, the articulate and the self-confident.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because we know that as we chart a course through the next 12 months, up to and through the 2015 general election, we can clearly articulate the expectations we are placing on politicians to play their part.

The Guardian

Blackford recalled a "bright, articulate and gregarious" opponent, who he said had been someone who could "rise above party politics".

The Guardian

But perhaps they will be like all those men who went to the moon, not quite able to articulate the profundity of their experience, because there is nothing else like it, and there are therefore no metaphors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Association of Directors of Children's Services – Alison O'Sullivan, president: "The new government must clearly articulate their plans to help our most vulnerable children, young people and their families.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "articulate" to describe someone's ability to express themselves clearly and effectively, both in speech and writing. Ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "articulate" in extremely casual settings where simpler words like "clear" or "expressive" might be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "articulate" is as an adjective describing someone capable of expressing themselves clearly and effectively. It can also function as a verb, meaning to express something clearly. Ludwig provides numerous examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "articulate" is a versatile word primarily functioning as an adjective or verb, denoting clarity and effectiveness in communication. Ludwig highlights its common use in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for neutral to formal registers and should be used thoughtfully to avoid sounding unnatural in casual settings. As Ludwig AI suggests, it’s a valuable term for describing precise and well-expressed ideas or individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Well-articulated

Emphasizes clarity and thoroughness in expressing an idea.

Well-spoken

Emphasizes the quality of speech and eloquence in expressing ideas.

Eloquent

Highlights the fluency and grace in using language.

Expressive

Focuses on the ability to convey thoughts and feelings effectively, highlighting emotional communication.

Lucid

Focuses on clarity and ease of understanding in expression.

Clear

Stresses the quality of being easily understood and unambiguous.

Communicative

Highlights the ability to convey information effectively.

Coherent

Focuses on the logical and consistent arrangement of ideas.

Persuasive

Emphasizes the ability to convince others through effective communication.

Forthright

Emphasizes directness and honesty in expressing oneself.

FAQs

How to use "articulate" in a sentence?

You can use "articulate" to describe someone who expresses themselves clearly, as in "She is an articulate speaker". It can also describe the quality of the expression itself, such as "The presentation was articulate and well-reasoned".

What can I say instead of "articulate"?

You can use alternatives like "well-spoken", "eloquent", or "clear" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "articulate" or "articulated"?

"Articulate" is an adjective or verb, while "articulated" is the past tense or past participle of the verb. For example, "He is an articulate person" vs "He articulated his concerns clearly".

What's the difference between "articulate" and "eloquent"?

"Articulate" emphasizes clarity and precision in expression, while "eloquent" implies fluency and grace in language. Someone can be articulate without being particularly eloquent, and vice versa.