express that

USAGE SUMMARY

"express that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to introduce a thought or opinion that follows. For example: "John expressed that he was feeling discouraged about his job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a way to express that".

The New York Times

How do I express that?

The Guardian

Creative people want to express that creativity.

The New York Times - Magazine

"No, I didn't express that well.

The Guardian - Music

Who wants to express that thought, and nothing else?

The New Yorker

"This is a convenient place to express that frustration.

The New York Times

But how do you express that through sound?

The Guardian - Music

"There must have been another way to express that".

The Guardian

You are against your country, but you can't express that".

The New York Times

To express that look, Kameon eschewed leaves and greenery.

The New York Times

A bit of fashion can help express that unique capacity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "express that" when you want to introduce a specific thought, feeling, or opinion that someone holds or has communicated. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "express that" passively when an active construction would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "It was expressed that…", prefer "Someone expressed that…" to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express that" primarily functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It indicates the act of conveying a thought, feeling, or opinion. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a grammatically sound construction used to introduce a reported statement or sentiment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

28%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "express that" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce a reported statement, opinion, or feeling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for various contexts. It functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause and appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic sources. While alternatives like "articulate that" or "convey that" may offer subtle nuances, "express that" remains a reliable and commonly used choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulate that

Implies a more formal and clear expression of something.

convey that

Focuses on the successful transmission of information or feeling.

communicate that

Highlights the act of sharing information, often in a direct manner.

voice that

Highlights the act of giving expression to an opinion or feeling.

state that

Implies a formal or official declaration of something.

show that

Suggests demonstrating something through actions or evidence, rather than words.

indicate that

Emphasizes pointing out or suggesting something, often indirectly.

reveal that

Suggests uncovering or making something known.

disclose that

Implies revealing something private or confidential.

get across that

Focuses on successfully communicating or making something understood, often in a casual context.

FAQs

How can I use "express that" in a sentence?

You can use "express that" to introduce a statement or sentiment, such as "She expressed that she was grateful for the opportunity" or "The report expressed that further investigation was needed".

What are some alternatives to using "express that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "articulate that", "convey that", or "communicate that". These options can add nuance or formality to your writing.

Is it correct to say "express that" or should I use a different phrasing?

"Express that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. However, ensure that the sentence structure is clear and that the subject of the expression is evident.

What's the difference between "express that" and "imply that"?

"Express that" means to state something directly, whereas "imply that" means to suggest something indirectly without explicitly stating it. The former is explicit communication; the latter is indirect.