utter a word

USAGE SUMMARY

"utter a word" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has spoken out loud. For example, "The teacher waited for the student to utter a word, but she stayed silent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I couldn't utter a word.

The New York Times

Neither did Hilton's publicist utter a word.

The Washington Post

His wife could not utter a word.

The New York Times

The manager did not utter a word.

The New York Times - Sports

I could barely utter a word.

The New York Times - Magazine

Arab leaders did not utter a word of condemnation.

The Economist

Dorothy would stare and not utter a word.

The New York Times

President Barack Obama did not utter a word of condemnation.

The New Yorker

Erdogan did not utter a word of condolence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Jackson did not utter a word in public.

The New York Times

Nor do they utter a word of apology to the victims of PIE".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utter a word", consider the context. It often implies a situation where silence is expected or notable, making the act of speaking significant.

Common error

Avoid using "utter a word" in everyday conversations where simpler phrases like "say something" or "speak" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal or dramatic in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter a word" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of speaking or vocalizing. It's often used to emphasize the absence of speech or the difficulty in speaking. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter a word" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the act of speaking, particularly in contexts where speech is significant or notably absent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for written English and often carries a neutral to formal tone. Its primary usage is found in News & Media, making it a reliable way to describe scenarios involving communication, silence, or difficulty in speaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speak a word

Replaces "utter" with "speak", a more common synonym, making the phrase slightly more casual.

say a word

Substitutes "utter" with "say", further simplifying the expression while retaining its core meaning.

express oneself verbally

Replaces the directness of "utter a word" with a more formal and elaborate expression of verbal communication.

articulate a response

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the verbal expression, often in reaction to something.

vocalize a thought

Shifts the focus to the expression of thoughts through vocalization, adding a layer of intentionality.

voice an opinion

Specifies that the spoken word is an opinion or viewpoint, narrowing the context.

break one's silence

Highlights the act of ending a period of silence by speaking, adding a dramatic element.

let out a sound

Broadens the meaning to include any vocal sound, not necessarily coherent words.

mouth a syllable

Suggests a quiet or indistinct way of uttering something.

whisper something

Focuses on the low volume of the spoken word, indicating a secretive or intimate communication.

FAQs

How can I use "utter a word" in a sentence?

You can use "utter a word" to describe situations where someone is unable or unwilling to speak. For example, "Despite the pressure, she didn't "utter a word" about her involvement."

What are some alternatives to "utter a word"?

Some alternatives include "speak a word", "say something", or "break one's silence", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "utter a word" or "say a word"?

"Utter a word" is generally more formal and implies a moment of significance or difficulty in speaking. "Say a word" is more common and neutral. Choose based on the tone and context of your writing.

When is it suitable to use "utter a word" in writing?

Use "utter a word" when you want to emphasize the act of speaking (or not speaking) in a situation charged with emotion, tension, or expectation. It adds a layer of formality and gravity.