unwritten statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unwritten statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a statement or idea that is understood or implied but not formally documented or expressed in writing. Example: "The unwritten statement among the team was that everyone would contribute equally to the project, even if it wasn't explicitly stated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You won't necessarily find this in their job ads, it's an unwritten statement, but unless you're aiming for quirky or the happy character who smiles constantly, etc. within such industries, it might be less easy for you to break in if your attractiveness is rated lower than usual.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The unwritten mission statement of modern social service departments must be, "Never figure on the front page of the tabloids".

The Guardian - Opinion

The concept itself was meant to embrace the idea of contradiction, which is pretty much the unwritten mission statement at Prada.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa issued a firmly worded statement condemning the "obsolete, unwritten convention" of reserving the top job for a European, saying that making a selection on the basis of nationality "undermines the legitimacy of the fund".

The New York Times

The paper quotes from her Twitter account, where she feeds that she was making a statement against "groupthink," the "unwritten rule" that "i will not express my true opinion if it opposes those i love and fear".

Huffington Post

Mr. Swanson said in a statement that the similarities between his book, "Swanson's Unwritten Rules of Management," and a 1944 text, "The Unwritten Laws of Engineering," were "beyond dispute".

The New York Times

Suggesting there could be a bill of rights and duties, or a more declaratory statement, Mr Brown said: "In Britain we have a largely unwritten constitution.

The Guardian

The unwritten rules of art criticism state that salaciousness without a purpose or statement is unnecessary and constitutes a poor piece of work.

Vice

The agency's rules do not prohibit companies from "making their own public statements," she added, though companies may feel constrained by unwritten rules and traditions.

The New York Times

Destiny unwritten.

The New Yorker

How much is unwritten?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unwritten statement" when you want to emphasize that something is understood or implied, even though it hasn't been formally declared. It's useful in describing cultural norms, team dynamics, or unspoken expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "unwritten statement" when you mean an unsubstantiated claim or rumor. The phrase implies tacit understanding or agreement, not necessarily a lack of evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unwritten statement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to an idea or principle that is understood but not formally documented, similar to examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

7%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unwritten statement" denotes an unspoken understanding or rule, often governing behavior or expectations within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. The phrase appears in diverse contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias. Its function is to highlight informal norms, and it maintains a neutral register. Alternatives include "implicit understanding" or "unspoken rule". When using the phrase, ensure it correctly conveys a tacit agreement rather than an unsubstantiated claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unspoken rule

Similar to an "unwritten statement", but specifically refers to rules or codes of conduct.

Implicit understanding

Focuses on the shared comprehension rather than the statement itself.

Tacit agreement

Emphasizes the agreement aspect, which is understood without explicit communication.

Understood condition

Highlights a prerequisite or expectation that is implicitly known.

Implied term

Suitable in contexts where a condition or stipulation is understood but not explicitly stated in a contract or agreement.

Inferred meaning

Focuses on the interpretation or deduction of a message that is not directly expressed.

Assumed principle

Highlights a fundamental belief or assumption that underlies actions or decisions.

Underlying assumption

Emphasizes the foundational belief that supports a particular idea or argument.

Subtextual message

Refers to a deeper or hidden meaning conveyed indirectly.

Unvoiced sentiment

Emphasizes the emotion or opinion that remains unspoken or unexpressed.

FAQs

What does "unwritten statement" mean?

An "unwritten statement" refers to an idea, rule, or understanding that is not formally documented or expressed in writing, but is nonetheless understood and followed by a group or within a specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "unwritten statement"?

Use "unwritten statement" when you want to highlight an unspoken agreement, implicit understanding, or cultural norm that guides behavior or decisions within a group or organization. For example, consider using it when an "unspoken rule" exists.

What are some alternatives to "unwritten statement"?

Alternatives to "unwritten statement" include "implicit understanding", "tacit agreement", or "unspoken rule". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How does an "unwritten statement" differ from a formal policy?

While a formal policy is explicitly written and officially enforced, an "unwritten statement" operates through informal channels, social norms, and mutual understanding. It's often maintained by social pressure rather than formal sanctions.