expressive language

USAGE SUMMARY

"expressive language" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to language that is used to convey emotion and feeling, or to describe words or phrases that are rich in imagery and connotation. For example, "She spoke with such expressive language that it painted vivid pictures in my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did apes acquire full-blown expressive language?

The New Yorker

(See also language, philosophy of: Ordinary language philosophy, and Practical and expressive language).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dad's was on his left frontal lobe, in the area responsible for expressive language.

The Guardian - Opinion

She is bad at technical thinking, but good at expressive language.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a matter of adding utterly useless words to our rich and expressive language.

The Guardian

"Ryan has difficulty with expressive language," said his mother, Janet Cuccia.

The New York Times

Students are not introduced to the possibilities of music as an expressive language.

The New York Times

Expressive language skills increased to varying degrees for all participants.

Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders

We give a formal semantics for a highly expressive language for representing temporal relationships and events.

Artificial Intelligence

The usefulness of this notion is illustrated by showing that a fairly expressive language has an efficient basis.

Artificial Intelligence

Reading skills and expressive language were related only to behavioral problems.

Journal of Communication Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing language development or disorders, use "expressive language" precisely to distinguish it from receptive language. Ensure your context makes this distinction clear.

Common error

Avoid using "expressive language" when you actually mean receptive language (the ability to understand language). "Expressive language" specifically refers to the ability to produce language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressive language" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the ability to produce language to communicate thoughts, feelings, and ideas. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is frequently used in both scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressive language" is a well-established and frequently used term referring to the ability to produce language. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's primarily used in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the term, be mindful to differentiate it from "receptive language", which is the ability to understand language. The best practice is to use it precisely in discussions about language development or disorders, ensuring the context clarifies the distinction. Common errors involve confusing it with receptive language. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica demonstrate its proper usage across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verbal expressiveness

Emphasizes the outward manifestation of thoughts and feelings through speech.

emotional articulation

Specifies that the expression is primarily of feelings or emotions.

eloquent communication

Emphasizes the fluency and gracefulness of the language used.

articulate expression

Highlights the clarity and effectiveness in conveying thoughts or feelings.

vivid language

Focuses on the imagery and descriptive power of the language.

descriptive vocabulary

Shifts the emphasis to the range and precision of words used to paint a picture.

powerful rhetoric

Highlights the persuasive and impactful use of language.

communicative competence

Broadens the scope to overall ability to convey messages effectively.

meaningful discourse

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the conversation or communication.

linguistic proficiency

Focuses on the skill level and expertise in language use.

FAQs

How is "expressive language" typically assessed?

Assessment often involves evaluating vocabulary usage, sentence formation, and the ability to convey meaning effectively through speech, writing, or sign. Standardized tests and observational measures are common tools.

What are some signs of difficulty with "expressive language" in children?

Signs can include limited vocabulary, difficulty forming sentences, using incorrect grammar, or struggling to express thoughts and ideas clearly. A speech-language pathologist can provide a comprehensive evaluation.

What's the difference between "expressive language" and "receptive language"?

"Expressive language" refers to the ability to produce language, whether through speaking, writing, or signing. "Receptive language", on the other hand, is the ability to understand language.

What can I do to improve my "expressive language" skills?

Practice speaking and writing regularly, read widely to expand your vocabulary, and seek feedback on your communication skills. Consider working with a language tutor or speech therapist for targeted improvement.