text someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "text someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of sending a text message to someone via a mobile device. Example: "I will text someone to let them know we're running late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Someone needs to text someone back about a thing that happened off camera.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Why talk when you can e-mail, instant-message or text someone?

The New York Times - Tech

In the early days, you couldn't even text someone if they were on a different carrier.

The Guardian

I picked up my phone to text someone and went, Whoa.

The New Yorker

"Do you think he's having second thoughts?" "I'm so excited I want to text someone, but I have no service".

The New York Times

Hallie's dad texted Shoot Me Now and that was silly because why would you text someone to shoot you.

The New York Times

My students tell me about an important new skill: it involves maintaining eye contact with someone while you text someone else; it's hard, but it can be done.

The New York Times

The most eye-popping enhancement is speech recognition: you can tell this new phone to call someone, text someone or give you driving directions.

The New York Times - Tech

I reduced the brightness of every screen to its bare minimum, and, unless we were trying to call or text someone or use an Internet-related app, I put the phone into airplane mode.

The New York Times - Tech

"You know when you text someone you're romantically interested in," Ansari said, announcing the deal, "and you don't hear anything back, and then you see them post a photo of a pizza on Instagram?

The Guardian

Also, there was a scantily clad female go-go dancer in a cage in the middle of the store who was clearly itching to text someone out of sheer boredom.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "text someone", ensure the context clearly indicates you are referring to sending a text message via a mobile device. Avoid ambiguity by specifying if other forms of messaging are possible.

Common error

While "text someone" is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "send a text message to someone" or "contact someone via text" in professional or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "text someone" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of sending a text message to another person. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "text someone" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of sending a text message. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While acceptable in most situations, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. The phrase serves the purpose of initiating or maintaining contact, offering a quick and convenient way to communicate. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use "text someone" or a more formal substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

send someone a text

Rephrases the action by emphasizing the sending of a text message.

message someone

Uses a broader term that encompasses various forms of digital communication, including texting.

SMS someone

Employs the technical acronym for Short Message Service, referring specifically to text messaging.

drop someone a text

Adds a casual tone, implying a quick or brief text message.

ping someone

Uses a more informal and contemporary term for sending a quick message, often used in online contexts.

reach out to someone via text

Highlights the act of initiating contact through a text message.

contact someone by text

Focuses on the medium of communication used to get in touch with someone.

get in touch with someone via text

Describes establishing communication through text messaging.

transmit a text to someone

Uses more formal language to describe the sending of a text.

dispatch a text to someone

Employs a slightly archaic or formal term for sending a text message.

FAQs

What does "text someone" mean?

"Text someone" means to send a text message to a person using a mobile phone or other device capable of sending texts.

What can I say instead of "text someone"?

You can use alternatives like "send someone a text", "message someone", or "SMS someone" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "text someone" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "send a text message to someone" for greater clarity and professionalism.

How has the meaning of "text someone" evolved?

Initially referring specifically to SMS, "text someone" now often encompasses sending messages through various platforms, like messaging apps, though the core meaning of sending a written message digitally remains.