communicate verbally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "communicate verbally" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the act of communicating using spoken words or speech. You can use this phrase in various contexts, such as: - "It is important for managers to effectively communicate verbally with their employees to ensure clarity and understanding." - "The workshop will focus on teaching participants how to communicate effectively and confidently verbally." - "The team's inability to communicate verbally during the meeting led to confusion and delays in project progress." Example: In order to resolve the conflict, the mediator encouraged both parties to express their concerns and communicate verbally in a calm and respectful manner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Communication: You have to communicate verbally (talk) with one another.

WikiHow

But he is not able to communicate verbally, nor with the aid of communication tools.

American Journal of Bioethics

As this is a feasibility study, participants who are unable to communicate verbally may participate if they are able to utilize an assisted communication method.

BMC Palliative Care

Touch even helps people communicate verbally.

The New York Times - Science

He has been able to communicate verbally, and spoke with Yates on Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

He is only able to communicate verbally using the assistance of a computer.

The Washington Post

Embodied theories of language propose that the way we communicate verbally is grounded in our bodies.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The participants were deprived of social cues about each other and could neither communicate verbally nor nonverbally.

Behavioural Processes

Ashya is likely to be in a wheelchair or buggy; he cannot communicate verbally and is immobile.

The Guardian

Ashya is likely to be in a wheelchair or buggy, he cannot communicate verbally and is immobile, police have said.

The Guardian

Diagnosed in 2016, the disease has steadily depleted his nervous system and robbed him of the ability to communicate verbally.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "communicate verbally" when you want to emphasize the use of spoken language as the means of communication, especially when contrasting it with non-verbal methods.

Common error

Avoid using "communicate verbally" when the context already implies verbal communication. For instance, instead of saying "He communicated verbally during the meeting", simply say "He spoke during the meeting" to avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communicate verbally" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of conveying information or ideas through spoken language. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Examples include instances where individuals are unable to "communicate verbally" due to medical conditions or situational constraints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "communicate verbally" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying information through spoken language. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding redundancy when the context already implies verbal communication. Semantically related alternatives like "speak", "express oneself verbally", and "talk" offer similar meanings, but the original phrase is the best option when you need to be clear that the communication occurred through the use of words. Ludwig examples show usage across news, science, and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verbally communicate thoughts

This option emphasizes the transmission of thoughts using verbal means, specifying what is being communicated.

convey verbally

This alternative highlights the act of transmitting a message or information using spoken words.

express oneself verbally

This alternative highlights the act of conveying one's thoughts or feelings through spoken language.

use spoken language

This option emphasizes the method of communication, specifying the use of spoken words.

speak

This alternative offers a more direct and simple way to express verbal communication, focusing on the act of uttering words.

articulate verbally

This alternative focuses on the clarity and effectiveness of the verbal communication.

talk

This is a simple and direct synonym for "communicate verbally", focusing on the act of speaking.

vocalize

This option emphasizes the production of sounds or words to communicate.

have a conversation

This alternative focuses on the interactive aspect of verbal communication, implying a back-and-forth exchange.

exchange words

This option emphasizes the act of giving and receiving information through spoken language.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to "communicate verbally"?

Practice active listening, focus on clear articulation, and tailor your language to your audience. Consider joining a public speaking group to gain confidence and refine your verbal communication skills.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "communicate verbally"?

You can use alternatives like "speak", "express oneself verbally", or "talk" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "communicate verbally"?

While "communicate" often implies verbal communication, adding "verbally" can emphasize that you are specifically referring to spoken language as opposed to written or non-verbal communication. However, avoid redundancy by omitting "verbally" when the context is already clear.

What's the difference between "communicate verbally" and "communicate non-verbally"?

"Communicate verbally" refers to using spoken words, while "communicate non-verbally" involves conveying messages through body language, facial expressions, gestures, and other non-linguistic cues.