orally

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "orally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is communicated by speaking, such as a verbal agreement, as in the following example sentence: The contract was agreed to orally by both parties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In total, only twelve of the fifty-four partieitherher signed the manifesto or agreed orally.

The Guardian

It states: "The home secretary asks me to confirm the information conveyed to you orally … that you will arrange for the interception of telephone communications between Fort Belvedere and Buckingham Palace on the one hand and the continent of Europe on the other".

The Guardian

Before this, knowledge was passed on orally and memorised; "real knowledge" was seen as only what you kept in your head.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Women were raped vaginally, anally and orally and some contracted sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

The Guardian

It bans methadone, a drug taken orally which most countries with enough money give to heroin addicts to stop them overdosing and to prevent diseases spreading via shared needles.

The Economist

A safe, orally administered anaesthetic, it can be used outside hospitals, even for caesarean sections and amputations.

The Economist

As a result, the history they told was increasingly transmitted orally, from generation to generation.

The Economist

It survives extreme temperatures and can lie dormant for months before orally infecting its host.

The Economist

These may be administered orally, in foodstuffs such as yogurt, or (and those of a nervous disposition should look away now) anally, via transplants of faeces from healthy people.

The Economist

While alive, he had given her cars, a little ranch and $50,000 a month; orally, she claimed, he had also promised her half of his estate of $1.6 billion.

The Economist

Cases involving minor crimes are now argued orally in front of a judge, instead of the judge reading mounds of papers alone in chambers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical administration, use "orally" to clearly specify that a substance is taken through the mouth, ensuring no confusion about the method of intake.

Common error

Avoid using "orally" when you mean "verbally". "Orally" refers specifically to taking something by mouth, whereas "verbally" refers to communication through spoken words.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "orally" is as an adverb. It modifies verbs to indicate the manner in which an action is performed, specifying either through the mouth (e.g., taking medication) or through spoken words, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "orally" functions as an adverb indicating either administration by mouth or communication through spoken words. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage across varied sources like news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While commonly used, remember to distinguish its specific meaning from similar terms like "verbally". When in doubt, refer to Ludwig's examples to ensure accuracy and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by mouth

Refers specifically to taking something through the mouth, often medication.

verbally

Indicates communication through spoken words, rather than in writing.

spoken

Emphasizes the act of speaking, contrasting with written communication.

by word of mouth

Highlights the transmission of information through spoken communication between people.

through speech

Focuses on the medium of communication being speech.

vocalized

Suggests that something has been made audible through speaking.

by speaking

Directly indicates the action of communicating through speech.

in speech

Indicates communication happens via speech or spoken language.

through oral administration

Specifically refers to administering something, like medicine, by mouth.

in spoken form

Emphasizes that information is presented in a spoken, rather than written, format.

FAQs

What does "orally" mean?

"Orally" means by mouth or through spoken words, depending on the context. It can refer to taking medication "by mouth" or communicating "verbally".

How do you use "orally" in a sentence?

You can use "orally" to describe how medication is administered, such as "The medication is taken orally". You can also use it to describe how something is communicated, such as "The agreement was made orally".

What is the difference between "orally" and "verbally"?

"Orally" refers to something being taken or administered through the mouth, while "verbally" refers to something being communicated through spoken words. So, while you can communicate "verbally", you take medicine "by mouth", or, "orally".

What can I say instead of "orally" when referring to spoken communication?

You can use alternatives like "verbally", "spoken", or "by word of mouth" depending on the context.