got the message across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got the message across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the effectiveness of communication, indicating that a message was successfully conveyed to the audience. Example: "Despite the complexity of the topic, the speaker really got the message across to the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Waiting to advise expectant mothers who visit health centres has not got the message across.

The Guardian

But it got the message across: "Fuck The Tourist Commerce – We Are Not A Tourist Attraction".

The Guardian - Opinion

It was funny, but it really got the message across, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For Mr. Heisbourg, "Both were wrong on China, portraying it as an adversary, but each got the message across about defending jobs in Ohio".

The New York Times

"The show highlighted the tension between mainland Chinese and locals in a funny way, and got the message across in a lighthearted manner," she said.

The New York Times

"I got the message across to some degree, but the whole message isn't across yet, and we need more time to continue to get better," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Really gets the message across: stop overfishing!

The New York Times

I think that gets the message across.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, though, getting the message across can be difficult.

The New York Times

Getting the message across won't be easy.

The Economist

But getting the message across is not always easy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose alternative phrasing if a more formal tone is required. Alternatives like "conveyed the message" may be more suitable for formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "got the message across" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. It is generally considered informal. Instead, opt for phrases like "communicated effectively" or "conveyed the information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got the message across" functions as a verbal phrase indicating successful communication or the effective conveyance of information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it denotes that the intended meaning was understood. Examples show its use in describing everything from political messaging to personal understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got the message across" is a commonly used expression that signifies successful communication. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, noting its prevalence in news, business, and general discourse. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the context, as more formal alternatives like "conveyed the message" might be preferred in academic or professional settings. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got the idea across

Focuses on conveying an idea or concept successfully.

got through to someone

Indicates a successful connection and understanding with the recipient.

communicated effectively

Highlights the efficiency and clarity of the communication.

put the point over

Indicates that the main point was successfully conveyed.

conveyed the idea

Focuses on the transmission of an idea or concept.

drove the point home

Suggests the message was delivered with force and clarity.

made understanding clear

Emphasizes the resulting clarity and comprehension.

ensured comprehension

Focuses on making sure the recipient understood.

articulated clearly

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the expression.

expressed successfully

Highlights the successful expression of a thought or feeling.

FAQs

What does "got the message across" mean?

The phrase "got the message across" means that the intended information, idea, or feeling was successfully communicated and understood by the recipient.

How can I use "got the message across" in a sentence?

You can use "got the message across" to describe a successful communication. For example: "Despite the complex topic, the speaker really "got the message across" to the audience."

What are some alternatives to "got the message across"?

Some alternatives to "got the message across" include "conveyed the idea", "communicated effectively", or "made understanding clear".

Is "got the message across" formal or informal?

"Got the message across" is generally considered an informal phrase. In formal contexts, it's better to use alternatives like "conveyed the message" or "communicated effectively".