to express

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to express" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating the act of conveying thoughts, feelings, or ideas through words or other forms of communication. Example: "She wanted to express her gratitude for all the support she received during her difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pres. to express himself.

The New Yorker

How to express myself.

The New York Times

Liberty to express yourself.

The New Yorker

"I have to express things".

The New York Times - Arts

To express our values?

The Guardian

Hard to express myself".

The New York Times

"You start to express yourself and identity".

The New York Times

They needed to express some power".

The New York Times

Are these qualities he wants to express?

The New York Times - Arts

"I went to express my opinion".

The New York Times

Fans write to express their relief.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to express" when you want to emphasize the act of conveying your thoughts, feelings, or ideas in a clear and direct manner. Choose more specific verbs like "articulate" or "verbalize" if you need to add nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "to express" repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "to articulate", "to convey", or "to communicate" to make your writing more engaging and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to express" functions primarily as a verb complement or part of a verb phrase. It indicates the action of conveying thoughts, feelings, or ideas. As Ludwig AI notes, it's a common and grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to express" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to convey thoughts, feelings, or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While alternatives like "to articulate" and "to communicate" offer nuanced variations, understanding the appropriate context is key. Remember to avoid overuse and vary your language for a more impactful writing style. This guide, supported by examples from diverse and authoritative sources, offers practical insights into mastering the art of expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to articulate

Focuses on clarity and precision in conveying thoughts or feelings.

to communicate

Emphasizes the act of sharing information or ideas with someone.

to convey

Highlights the act of transmitting a message or feeling.

to put into words

Emphasizes the act of finding the right language to communicate something.

to voice

Specifically refers to expressing something verbally.

to verbalize

Similar to "to voice", but can also imply putting something into words that was previously unsaid.

to show

Indicates revealing something, often through actions or non-verbal cues.

to reveal

Suggests making something known that was previously hidden or secret.

to disclose

Implies making information public, often information that was confidential.

to manifest

Focuses on making something apparent or evident, often through actions or signs.

FAQs

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

You can use "to express" in various contexts, such as "I want "to express my gratitude"" or "It's important "to express your feelings" openly."

What are some alternatives to "to express"?

Some alternatives to "to express" include "to articulate", "to convey", "to communicate", or "to verbalize", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to express" or "to communicate"?

The choice between "to express" and "to communicate" depends on the context. "To express" emphasizes conveying thoughts or feelings, while "to communicate" focuses on sharing information or ideas with someone else. Consider which aspect you want to highlight.

How does "to express" differ from "to imply"?

"To express" means to directly state or show something, whereas "to imply" means to suggest something indirectly without explicitly stating it. They are opposite in terms of directness of communication.