sending a message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sending a message" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you are communicating information or conveying a sentiment, either literally or figuratively. Example: "She is sending a message to her team about the upcoming meeting." Alternative expressions include "delivering a message" and "conveying a message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're sending a message.

The New York Times

I'm sending a message".

The New York Times

It's about sending a message".

The Guardian

Was he sending a message?

The New York Times

Sending a message to the people affected?

The New York Times - Arts

North Korean leaders are sending a message.

The New York Times

"We are sending a message," he said.

The Economist

WA is sending a message.

The Washington Post

We're not sending a message".

The Guardian - Tech

They're sending a message to their members".

The New York Times

We're sending a message straight to her".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In digital contexts, prefer more specific verbs like "texting" or "emailing" unless you are referring to the broader act of communication.

Common error

Writers often overwork this phrase in political or sports commentary to describe every minor action. If the intent is explicit, consider using more precise terms like "stating" or "declaring" to avoid repetitive or vague prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sending a message" functions primarily as a gerund phrase or continuous verb construction depending on its placement in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI analysis, it consists of the present participle of the verb "send" followed by the direct object "a message". It is often used as a subject, an object, or part of a progressive tense to describe the ongoing act of communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Social Media

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sending a message" is a versatile and essential component of modern English, effectively bridging the gap between literal data transfer and symbolic communication. Ludwig data confirms its high frequency in reputable news outlets, where it often describes political or strategic posturing. It is grammatically stable and carries a professional yet accessible tone. Whether used to describe a literal text or a metaphorical signal, it remains a clear and impactful way to frame the act of conveying intent. Writers should feel confident using it across most genres, though they should be wary of using it as a repetitive crutch in analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conveying a message

Suggests a more nuanced or subtle process of making a thought or feeling known

delivering a message

Emphasizes the completion of the communicative act or the physical arrival of information

signaling a message

Focuses on the symbolic or non-verbal intent behind an action

transmitting a message

Commonly used in technical, scientific, or electronic contexts

issuing a message

Implies an official or authoritative publication of information

relaying a message

Indicates passing information from one person to another through an intermediary

broadcasting a message

Suggests sending information to a very large or public audience

dispatching a message

Carries a sense of urgency or formal administrative action

putting out a message

A more informal way to describe releasing information to the public

communicating a sentiment

Focuses specifically on the emotional or subjective content of the message

FAQs

How do I use "sending a message" in a sentence?

You can use it literally, as in "I am sending a message to my boss," or figuratively, such as "The team's victory is "sending a message" to the rest of the league."

What can I say instead of "sending a message"?

Depending on your intent, you could use "conveying a message", "delivering a note", or "signaling intent".

Is "sending a message" appropriate for formal reports?

Yes, it is widely used in high-level publications like the "Harvard Business Review" to describe strategic communication.

What is the difference between "sending a message" and "issuing a statement"?

While "sending a message" can be metaphorical or private, "issuing a statement" usually refers to a formal, public, and written declaration.