utter a phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter a phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of speaking or expressing something verbally. Example: "He chose to utter a phrase that would resonate with the audience during his speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Around this time, I heard a News International manager — testosterone in a suit — utter a phrase I have never forgotten.

The New Yorker

Who can deny, for example, the humour and sense of relish that exists in hearing John Cooper Clarke utter a phrase that might seem bland from other lips?

The Guardian - Music

How often do contemporary politicians manage to utter a phrase so memorable that someone will want to chant it in the streets?

The Guardian - Opinion

One bone-chilling day, four years after we had moved to Nashawtuc Hill, I heard a new homeowner, standing in front of the lovely old house she was planning to raze, utter a phrase never before spoken in the town of Concord, Massachusetts: "Money is no object".

The New Yorker

Watching Obama deliver his statement Thursday about the Charleston murders, you couldn't help but sense how submerged his emotions were, how, yet again, he was forced to slow down his own speech, careful not to utter a phrase that would, God forbid, lead him to lose his equanimity.

The New Yorker

My friends, I must now utter a phrase that I would never have expected to say without having suffered an egregious head wound – something like "That was an Oscar-worthy performance from Steven Seagal," or "I believe we've found another great French rock band".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

His voice was clipped, his anger obvious, as he uttered a phrase that he never, ever expected to say.

The New York Times - Sports

Trump soon lost his patience and uttered a phrase soon to be added to the canon of soaring American oration.

The Guardian - Opinion

But as he prepared to head to a television interview last month, he uttered a phrase that seemed both celebratory and challenging.

The New York Times

The next day, however, on Wednesday, Mr. Guéant, while confirming his earlier statement, then uttered a phrase that might serve as a motto for this entertainment: "Yesterday's truth is not, perhaps, that of today".

The New York Times

As he reflected on the experience of reading his book proposal, he uttered a phrase one probably should not teach one's children, then added: "This guy's had a great life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter a phrase" when you want to emphasize the act of speaking a specific combination of words, especially if it's noteworthy or memorable.

Common error

Avoid using "utter a phrase" when simply describing someone speaking; use it when the specific phrase is significant.

Linguistic Context

Utter a phrase functions as a verb phrase where "utter" is the verb and "a phrase" is the object. Its primary grammatical function is to describe the act of speaking or pronouncing a specific combination of words. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter a phrase" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of speaking a particular set of words. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not overly formal, its usage suggests that the specific phrase being uttered is of some significance. Alternatives such as "speak a phrase" or "voice an expression" can be used depending on the desired nuance. It is important to use the phrase when emphasizing specific wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voice an expression

Focuses on the act of verbally expressing a thought or feeling.

articulate a statement

Emphasizes clarity and precision in the verbal delivery.

express verbally

Highlights the act of communicating through spoken words.

pronounce a sentence

Focuses on the act of speaking a complete thought.

vocalize thoughts

Highlights the connection between thinking and speaking.

deliver a line

Implies a formal or theatrical context of speaking.

enunciate words

Emphasizes the clarity and distinctness of pronunciation.

speak out a saying

Highlights traditional or well-known sayings or idioms.

emit speech

A more technical or detached way of saying "speak".

recite a passage

Implies memorization and formal delivery of text.

FAQs

What does "utter a phrase" mean?

To "utter a phrase" means to speak or pronounce a particular combination of words. It often implies that the phrase is significant or memorable.

Is "utter a phrase" formal or informal?

The phrase "utter a phrase" is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

What can I say instead of "utter a phrase"?

You can use alternatives like "speak a phrase", "say a phrase", or "voice an expression", depending on the context.

How to use "utter a phrase" in a sentence?

You can use "utter a phrase" to describe someone speaking a specific set of words, for example: "The politician chose to utter a phrase that would resonate with voters."