uttered the word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uttered the word" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone spoke a word out loud. For example, "John uttered the word 'hello' as he entered the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He uttered the word with contempt.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then the lawyer uttered the word itself.

The New York Times

Neither candidate ever uttered the word "climate".

The New York Times

Mrs. Obama never uttered the word "Romney".

The New York Times

(Neither candidate uttered the word foreclosure).

The New York Times

(Mr. Santorum later denied he uttered the word "black").

The New York Times

But Mr. Romney uttered the word Medicare just once.

The New York Times

One female voice, "high, carefully modulated," uttered the word "Divine".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He uttered the words slowly, holding Miranda's gaze.

The New Yorker

No one uttered the words West Nile, Mrs. Chiella said.

The New York Times

(Mark McGrath actually uttered the words "jumped the shark").

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uttered the word" to emphasize the act of speaking a particular word, especially when the choice of that word is significant or surprising. For example, "The CEO uttered the word 'bankruptcy', sending shockwaves through the room."

Common error

While "uttered the word" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal documents. In many cases, more direct alternatives like "said", "stated", or "mentioned" are more concise and appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uttered the word" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of speaking a particular word aloud. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase highlights the significance of the word spoken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uttered the word" is a common verb phrase used to emphasize the act of speaking a particular word and its significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "spoke the term" or "articulated the phrase" exist, "uttered the word" often highlights the weight or surprise associated with that specific word choice. When writing, use this phrase when you specifically want to draw attention to the spoken word. While acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in very formal writing for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spoke the term

Focuses on the act of speaking a specific term, often in a particular context.

vocalized the expression

Highlights the act of giving voice to an expression, which can be more formal.

articulated the phrase

Emphasizes clarity and precision in the pronunciation of a phrase.

pronounced the name

Specifically refers to the act of saying a name, emphasizing enunciation.

voiced the opinion

Indicates expressing an opinion aloud, focusing on the content rather than just the sound.

stated the keyword

Implies a deliberate act of mentioning a key word, often in a strategic way.

declared the slogan

Suggests a public or formal announcement of a slogan.

mentioned the title

Simply refers to the act of mentioning a title, without necessarily emphasizing the way it was said.

enunciated the sound

Focuses on the precise and clear pronunciation of a sound, perhaps in a linguistic context.

gave voice to the saying

Implies expressing a common saying or proverb, often with a sense of tradition or familiarity.

FAQs

How can I use "uttered the word" in a sentence?

You can use "uttered the word" to emphasize the act of speaking a specific word, especially when the choice of that word is significant. For example, "The witness hesitated before he "uttered the word" 'guilty'".

What are some alternatives to "uttered the word"?

Alternatives include phrases like "spoke the term", "vocalized the expression", or "articulated the phrase", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is there a difference between "uttered the word" and simply "said the word"?

"Uttered the word" often implies a more deliberate or significant act of speaking the word, whereas "said the word" is a more neutral description. The former suggests the word carries particular weight or emotion.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "uttered the word"?

It's most appropriate in contexts where the specific word spoken is important, or when you want to emphasize the act of speaking it. For example, in legal testimonies or dramatic narratives.