communicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "communicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of exchanging information between two or more people. For example, "The two committees worked together to communicate their ideas effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

May said in a BBC interview: "David Cameron has already said, and I've said, that a Conservative government would be giving the security agencies and law enforcement agencies the powers that they need to ensure they're keeping up to date as people communicate with communications data.

The Guardian

Bound by civil service rules on impartiality, government communicators work hard to communicate the government of the day's programme and help it fulfil its political priorities.

The Guardian

What is he trying to communicate to the world?

The Economist

We also continue to communicate with the families of all those involved," the theme park said in a statement.

The Guardian

[After Stephen] had the tracheotomy, it seemed that there was no way at all that he could communicate.

The Guardian

Related: 10 tips for charity impact measurement How charities attempt to communicate this is crucial.

The Guardian

But being trapped first in his body and then being barred from work and often unable to communicate proved unbearable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think this book has a great title but I do not think it goes with the book at all because they are writing letters or emails to each other which is one of the quietest ways to communicate with people!

The Guardian

Maybe we do not know a very posh kind of English or a large variety of words, but still I think it's enough to communicate.

The Guardian

For that reason, it has always been important to us that we communicate directly with people who care about our band through the social networking sites we run.

The Guardian - Music

My interest is that we can use materials that have a perceived value to them, to communicate and get people excited about the idea of sustainability and social change and environmental management".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, be specific about what you want to "communicate". Instead of saying "I need to communicate with them", try "I need to communicate the project's deadline to them".

Common error

Avoid vague statements such as "We need to communicate better". Instead, specify the method, such as "We need to communicate better through weekly team meetings and clear email summaries".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "communicate" is as a verb. Ludwig provides examples where it's used transitively to indicate conveying information or intransitively to refer to the act of sharing or exchanging ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "communicate" is a versatile verb used to describe the process of conveying information, sharing ideas, or establishing connections. As Ludwig AI suggests, its usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While many synonyms exist, focusing on clarity and specificity when using "communicate" will enhance your writing. Remember to be specific about what you are "communicate"ing and how you are "communicate"ing it for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convey information

Focuses on the transmission of data or facts.

share ideas

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect of exchanging thoughts.

get in touch

Highlights the act of making initial contact.

keep in contact

Implies maintaining an ongoing connection.

stay in communication

Focuses on the state of continuous exchange.

make known

Stresses the act of publicizing something.

express oneself

Highlights the articulation of personal thoughts and feelings.

correspond with

Refers to exchanging messages, often in writing.

have a dialogue

Implies a structured and reciprocal conversation.

exchange views

Emphasizes a reciprocal sharing of opinions.

FAQs

How can I use "communicate" in a sentence?

You can use "communicate" to describe the act of conveying information, sharing ideas, or expressing thoughts. For example, "The team needs to "communicate effectively" to meet the project deadline".

What are some synonyms for "communicate"?

Synonyms for "communicate" include "convey information", "share ideas", "express oneself", and "get in touch", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "communicate" and "inform"?

"Communicate" implies a two-way exchange of information, while "inform" suggests a one-way transmission. You "communicate with" someone to share ideas, but you inform someone of a fact.

Is it correct to say "communicate about" something?

While grammatically correct, it is often more concise and natural to say "communicate" something directly. For example, instead of "communicate about the project", try "communicate the project details".