expresses to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expresses to" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or incorrect in many contexts.
It can be used when indicating the recipient of an expression or communication, but it is often better to use a more direct construction. Example: "The author expresses to the audience his deep concern about the issue."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In fact Iago has very clear motives, which he expresses to the audience.

The New York Times - Magazine

Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York expresses to the family of our devoted member, Maurits Ernst Edersheim.

The New York Times

Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York expresses to the family of our devoted member, Philip Levey, our deepest sympathies on the occasion of his passing.

The New York Times

Ethan delivers the romantic one-liner that sells the movie's message, when he expresses to Renee his breathless admiration: "You're so yourself".

The New Yorker

Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York expresses to the family of our longtime and devoted member, Lillian Glixon, honorary board member of The Women's Auxiliary.

The New York Times

In A Study in Scarlet he expresses to Watson his ignorance of the workings of the solar system thus: "What the deuce is it to me?

The Guardian

Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York expresses to the family of our devoted member George Spiegel our deepest sympathies on the occasion of his passing.

The New York Times

Congregation Emanu-El, of the City of New York, expresses to the family of our devoted member, Norma Raabin, our deepest sympathies on the occasion of her passing.

The New York Times

Both started to use pony expresses to deliver news from other cities, and fast boats to meet incoming vessels and get foreign news a few hours early.

The Economist

But in his informal role as news media critic in chief, he developed a detailed critique of modern news coverage that he regularly expresses to those around him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In these letters, he writes, "I have to defend myself tooth and nail so as not to be lumped in with this anti-Semitic rabble"; he lambastes fanatical German nationalists and militarists, and even expresses to his sister the desire that "anti-Semites be compelled to leave Germany" for her colony.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for more direct verbs like "tells", "says", or "conveys" for clearer and more concise writing. Using alternatives improves readability.

Common error

Avoid using "expresses to" in passive constructions, as it often leads to convoluted sentences. Instead, focus on active voice where the subject clearly performs the action of expressing something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expresses to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of communicating or conveying a thought, feeling, or piece of information to a specific recipient. Ludwig AI indicates that it's acceptable, though direct alternatives are often preferable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically acceptable, the phrase "expresses to" is often considered less direct than alternatives like "conveys", "communicates", or "states". As highlighted by Ludwig AI, opting for these alternatives can improve clarity and conciseness in writing. The phrase sees common usage in news articles and scientific writing, though it maintains a generally neutral register. For best practice, consider the context and audience, and choose the most straightforward verb to convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conveys to

Replaces "expresses" with "conveys", offering a slightly more formal tone.

communicates to

Uses "communicates" instead of "expresses", emphasizing the act of transferring information.

states to

Employs "states" to indicate a formal declaration or announcement to someone.

mentions to

Substitutes "expresses" with "mentions", suggesting a brief or casual communication.

articulates to

Replaces "expresses" with "articulates", highlighting clarity and precision in communication.

relays to

Uses "relays" instead of "expresses", indicating the passing on of information from one person to another.

discloses to

Employs "discloses" to suggest the revealing of confidential or previously unknown information.

reveals to

Replaces "expresses" with "reveals", emphasizing the act of making something known.

declares to

Uses "declares" instead of "expresses", indicating a formal or emphatic statement.

imparts to

Substitutes "expresses" with "imparts", suggesting the communication of knowledge or wisdom.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "expresses to" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "conveys to", "communicates to", or "states to" to achieve a similar meaning.

Is "expresses to" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "expresses to" can sound awkward. Ludwig AI suggests opting for more direct alternatives like "conveys" or "communicates" for better clarity.

How can I improve the clarity of my sentences when using "expresses to"?

Ensure the subject is clearly performing the action of expressing. Avoid passive constructions and consider using stronger verbs that eliminate the need for the "to" preposition, such as "conveys" or "articulates".

In what contexts is "expresses to" most appropriate?

"Expresses to" can be used when you want to specifically highlight the recipient of the expression. However, in many cases, a more direct construction using verbs like "tells" or "says" will be more effective.