articulating

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'articulating' is correct and widely used in written English.
It can be used as a verb, meaning to express or convey something clearly and effectively, or as an adjective, describing something that is well thought out and clearly expressed. Example 1 (verb): The politician was skilled at articulating his vision for the country. Example 2 (adjective): The professor's lecture was very articulate and easy to understand. Example 3 (verb): The artist spent hours articulating her feelings through her painting. Example 4 (adjective): The lawyer's articulating arguments convinced the jury of his client's innocence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They mastered the law and the facts of cases, and won victories in court – articulating a culture of human rights long before it became a mainstream concept.

The Guardian - Opinion

Babies and toddlers, as anyone who has lived in close proximity to one will know, are not always terribly good at articulating what they feel, but they are very good at acting out their emotions: they bite, they scream, they lie on the floor and beat their fists and generally try to squirm out of situations that don't appeal to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rooftoppers may have trouble articulating their motivations, but the message comes through loud and clear in their photography – they want to be free to make choices to explore their cities, and the more those choices diminish, the more militant their reactions become.

The Guardian

And FDR does not mince words, decrying the tyranny of "economic royalists" and confidently articulating the role of government.

The Guardian - Opinion

By articulating their fears, Powell's notorious speech may have given them a mainstream voice, thereby averting a greater conflagration.

The Guardian

He's good at grabbing people's attention and articulating our values," said Brent Shyrock, a second-amendment enthusiast in the crowd.Charlie Crist is the incumbent governor during a recession that has hit Florida unusually hard, so his is the face that Floridians see on the television as they are being evicted from their homes.

The Economist

The Americans, he points out, have not been trained for the job they are now doing; and the "Sunni triangle" they police is far more dangerous than the British forces' zone in the Shi'ite south of Iraq.But that still leaves the difficulty in articulating how Britain benefits.

The Economist

He merely says that "they must accept the country's standards and the values of modernity .Mr Fortuyn makes much of the claim that he is articulating what everybody has long wanted to say.

The Economist

Though he tried many times and in many ways, Mr Paulson has been incapable of articulating a consistent principle beyond expediency which would justify how the bail-out was handled.More recently, the same lack of principle can be seen in the spate of large settlements.

The Economist

Having the MCB as a clear voice, articulating Muslims' views, is still helpful, insists David Blunkett, a former Labour home secretary.Those within the council blame the declining relationship between officials and organised Islam on the coalition government.

The Economist

The Orthodox Christians have been somewhere in the middle: more open than the Catholics to the idea of  articulating Christianity in new languages, but still relatively cautious.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "articulating", ensure that the context supports the idea of clear and precise expression, rather than simply communicating in a general sense.

Common error

Avoid using "articulating" in overly complex sentences where simpler verbs like "saying" or "expressing" would enhance clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "articulating" is as a verb, specifically the present participle or gerund form. It describes the action of clearly and effectively expressing something. As Ludwig AI says, it means "to express or convey something clearly and effectively".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "articulating" functions as a verb form used to describe the act of expressing something clearly and effectively. Ludwig's AI confirms its common usage in written English, particularly in professional and formal contexts. As a formal word, it is less common in informal registers, and the writing guidance suggests using it carefully in complex sentences. The phrase appears frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" sources, showing its versatility in different communication fields. The alternative options, such as "expressing" or "formulating", can be considered based on specific nuances. "Articulating" implies a higher degree of clarity and precision compared to simpler terms like "saying".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressing

This alternative is more general, referring to the act of conveying thoughts or feelings without necessarily implying clarity or precision.

formulating

This suggests a more structured and deliberate process of putting thoughts into a coherent form.

voicing

This implies giving audible expression to thoughts or feelings.

enunciating

This focuses on the act of pronouncing words clearly and distinctly, often in the context of public speaking.

presenting

This suggests offering something for consideration or display, which can include ideas or arguments.

communicating

This is a broader term that encompasses any exchange of information, not necessarily focused on clarity.

conveying

This emphasizes the act of transferring information or meaning from one person to another.

detailing

This highlights the act of providing specific and comprehensive information about something.

putting into words

This is a more informal way of expressing the act of verbalizing thoughts or ideas.

spelling out

This suggests making something explicit and unambiguous, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

FAQs

How can I use "articulating" in a sentence?

You can use "articulating" to describe the action of expressing something clearly and effectively. For example, "She is skilled at articulating her ideas" or "The document failed to articulate the company's goals".

What are some alternatives to "articulating"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "expressing", "formulating", or "voicing".

Is "articulating" formal or informal?

"Articulating" is generally considered a more formal term, suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. In informal settings, simpler words like "saying" or "explaining" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "articulating" and "saying"?

"Articulating" implies expressing something with clarity and precision, while "saying" is a more general term for verbal expression. You would use "articulating" when you want to emphasize the clarity and effectiveness of the communication.