body language

USAGE SUMMARY

'body language' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how someone's physical movements and facial expressions communicate meaning. For example, "The candidate's confident body language spoke volumes about her experience and qualifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Body language?

MIT Technology Review

Body language matters.

The New York Times

· Body language.

HuffPost

Notice other body language.

WikiHow

Use proper body language.

WikiHow

Have approachable body language.

WikiHow

Display adorable body language.

WikiHow

Body language and timing.

WikiHow

Learn parrot body language!

WikiHow

Her body language.

WikiHow

"Listen" to body language.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When interpreting "body language", consider cultural context and individual differences to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping assumptions about someone's feelings or intentions based solely on a single gesture or expression. "Body language" should be interpreted in context, considering the situation and the individual's personality.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "body language" is as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show its use as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a system of communication using nonverbal signals. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

10%

Science

47%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "body language" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe nonverbal communication through gestures, expressions, and posture. Ludwig and its examples show that it's prevalent in both general and academic contexts. While generally neutral, formality can increase based on the specific use case. Understanding the nuances of "body language" can enhance communication and improve interpersonal relationships, but it's important to avoid overgeneralizing interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nonverbal communication

Emphasizes the broader category of communication that doesn't involve words.

gestural communication

Highlights the use of gestures as the primary mode of expression.

facial expressions

Focuses specifically on the role of the face in conveying emotions and messages.

kinesics

A technical term for the study of body movement and its role in communication.

non-vocal cues

Highlights the aspects of communication that do not involve voice.

silent signals

Suggests the subtle and often unconscious ways we communicate through our bodies.

expressive gestures

Emphasizes how gestures can be used to communicate in a demonstrative way.

physical cues

Highlights aspects of communication that involve physical indicators.

behavioral signals

Focuses on actions and mannerisms that transmit information.

postural communication

Highlights how posture conveys messages and attitudes.

FAQs

How can I improve my understanding of "body language"?

You can improve your understanding of "body language" by observing people in different contexts, studying resources on nonverbal communication, and practicing active listening to notice subtle cues.

What are some common examples of "body language"?

Common examples of "body language" include facial expressions like smiling or frowning, gestures such as hand movements, posture like slouching or standing tall, and eye contact.

What does it mean to have "open body language"?

Having "open body language" typically means displaying welcoming and approachable nonverbal cues, such as maintaining eye contact, uncrossing your arms, and facing the person you're talking to.

How reliable is "body language" as an indicator of someone's true feelings?

"Body language" can be a useful indicator, but it's not foolproof. Factors like cultural background, personality, and the specific situation can influence nonverbal cues, so it's essential to consider multiple signals in context.