to articulate

USAGE SUMMARY

"to articulate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as a verb meaning (1) to be able to express yourself clearly in words, or (2) to move or arrange your body in a way that expresses an emotion. For example, "He was unable to articulate his feelings." or "She articulated her anger through her body language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How to articulate them with the medium?

The New York Times

He shouldn't have to articulate this.

The New Yorker

How to articulate their thoughts.

The Guardian

The ability to articulate things.

The Guardian

It's just hard to articulate.

The Guardian - Film

They probably aren't able to articulate it.

The New Yorker

I don't know how to articulate it.

The Guardian

"We want to articulate the differences".

The New York Times

Everything is designed to articulate independently".

The New Yorker

Are you prepared to articulate that yourself?

The New York Times

"We're just trying to articulate it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to articulate" when you want to emphasize the act of clearly expressing a complex thought or idea. It's particularly useful in formal settings or when discussing intricate concepts.

Common error

While "to articulate" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "to explain" or "to say" may be more appropriate and natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to articulate" functions primarily as an infinitive, often serving as a verb complement or modifier. It describes the action of expressing something clearly and effectively. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in conveying ideas and emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to articulate" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express the action of clearly and effectively conveying a thought or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides many examples of its use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While highly useful, it's best to avoid overusing "to articulate" in informal conversations, opting for simpler alternatives. Remember the primary goal: clarity and precision in your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to express clearly

Focuses on the clarity of the expression, omitting the implied effort in forming the words.

to put into words

Emphasizes the act of translating thoughts or feelings into a verbal form.

to verbalize effectively

Highlights the act of speaking and the effectiveness of the communication.

to enunciate distinctly

Focuses specifically on the clarity of pronunciation.

to communicate lucidly

Highlights the clarity and ease of understanding in the communication.

to voice clearly

Emphasizes the act of expressing something vocally and unambiguously.

to spell out

Implies providing detailed and unambiguous information.

to elucidate

Suggests making something clearer and easier to understand, often by providing extra information.

to give expression to

Highlights the act of revealing a thought or feeling.

to present clearly

Focuses on the manner of presentation and its comprehensibility.

FAQs

How can I use "to articulate" in a sentence?

The phrase "to articulate" typically introduces a verb that describes the act of expressing something clearly. For instance, "He struggled "to articulate" his feelings" or "The speaker aimed "to articulate" the company's vision".

What are some alternatives to "to articulate"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to express clearly", "to put into words", or "to verbalize effectively". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "articulate" or "to articulate"?

"Articulate" can be used as a verb, but "to articulate" is the infinitive form. Use "to articulate" when it follows another verb (e.g., "I need to articulate"). Use "articulate" directly as a verb (e.g., "She articulates her points well").

What does it mean when someone says they are unable "to articulate" something?

When someone says they are unable ""to articulate"" something, it means they are having difficulty expressing their thoughts, feelings, or ideas clearly and effectively in words.