locution

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "locution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a particular phrase or expression that is used by a person or group of people. For example, you could say: "I always heard my grandmother use the same locution when she was offering advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(The LSO would rightly dispute that; nobody claims that the Barbican Hall is the finest of the world's acoustics - although it has, I think, real presence and power if you're sitting in a lucky seat - yet the LSO remains near the top of the world-orchestra-tree - a rather Wagnerian locution I might have to copyright).

The Guardian - Music

This doesn't mean abandoning conservatism, in his view; it means putting government on the side of conservative principles, such as choice and responsibility.The political landscape is already littered with monuments to big-government conservatism (or "compassionate conservatism", in his preferred locution).

The Economist

Because the revolutionary events had such earthshaking power, the history of France in the century preceding 1789 has until recently been seen as a long prologue to the coming drama, a period marked by the decay of the ancien régime ("old regime"), a locution created during the Revolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of the numerous striking things about the critic, Brian Sewell, who has died of cancer at the age of 84, the most immediate was his locution.

Independent

Conservative white Americans loved that locution because it allowed them to voice all their "personal observations" while taking credit for not saying Nigger's name – like nobody knew they were signifying.

Independent

A laughably benign locution, "criticism", for what is in fact – what has in recent years become – a desire to word a country not just out of the commonwealth of nations but out of physical existence altogether.

Independent

"Let's have a smile from you," he said, which happened to be a locution I especially disliked.

Independent

Although Kuhn's terminology is now omnipresent in popular parlance, he came to regret the locution, partly because of criticism to the effect that his usage of paradigm was multiply ambiguous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Alonzo, who is fifty-two, haspentnthehe past twenty-eight years working with dementia patients — or, in her preferred locution, with people who have trouble thinking.

The New Yorker

"Fuck" is the universal locution in her family, and hip-hop slang — a little out of date, but still potent — shapes the rest of her talk, all of it delivered with a peculiarly English tartness, as if life at any moment could be defined by a phrase.

The New Yorker

(Alexander, as the aged Barnes, uses her voice to particularly fine effect; she gets the transatlantic locution just right).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "locution" when you want to specifically highlight a particular expression or phrase that is characteristic of a person, group, or time period. For example, 'His preferred "locution" revealed much about his background.'

Common error

Avoid using "locution" as a generic substitute for words like "phrase" or "expression". "Locution" implies a distinct or peculiar usage, not just any combination of words. Overusing it in general contexts can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "locution" is that of a noun. It typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to a particular phrase or expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "locution" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that refers to a particular phrase or expression, often one that is characteristic of a person, group, or time. According to Ludwig, the term is correctly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While synonyms like "expression" or "phrase" may be more suitable for informal settings, "locution" adds a level of precision and analysis to formal discussions. Remember to use it when you want to highlight a distinct usage rather than as a generic substitute. With its clear definition and ample examples from authoritative sources, "locution" can be a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression

This term is a more general substitute, referring to any way of conveying meaning.

phrase

This term refers to a group of words forming a conceptual unit, similar to a locution but less specific.

idiom

This term refers to an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements.

turn of phrase

This term highlights the manner or style in which something is expressed.

wording

This term emphasizes the specific choice of words used in a particular context.

manner of speaking

This term emphasizes the habitual way someone expresses themselves.

formulation

This term indicates a precise and structured way of expressing something.

style of expression

This term focuses on the artistic or distinctive characteristics of someone's speech or writing.

choice of words

This term focuses on the selection of specific words to convey a particular meaning or effect.

verbal expression

This term highlights the use of spoken or written language to communicate an idea or feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "locution" in a sentence?

You can use "locution" to refer to a particular phrase or expression. For example, "The politician's repeated "turn of phrase" became his trademark."

What are some synonyms for "locution"?

Alternatives to "locution" include "expression", "phrase", "saying", or "idiom", depending on the context.

What does "preferred locution" mean?

"Preferred locution" refers to a particular "choice of words" or expression that someone favors or frequently uses. It can reveal aspects of their background, personality, or beliefs.

Is it appropriate to use "locution" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "locution" is more common in formal writing or academic discussions. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "phrase" or "expression" may be more suitable.