verbal agility

USAGE SUMMARY

'verbal agility' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's skill in speaking, usually an ability to think quickly and communicate effectively. For example, "She surprised us with her verbal agility in responding to the challenging questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He has great verbal agility in sounding eminently moderate and reasonable while planting darker ideas.

The Guardian - Opinion

His verbal agility was intact, and his lyrics had grown more sinister.

The New Yorker

The evening's chief pleasures are its fine-tuned pacing and its verbal agility.

The New York Times

Its chief joys, though, lie in its fine-tuned pacing and acting and its delight in its own verbal agility.

The New York Times

Jackson shines, as he always shines, with verbal agility and mother- don't-say-it) wit, and he gets to deliver the filmother- dogue of moral principle.

The New Yorker

Edwards's boyish ease, his smooth good looks, and his astonishing verbal agility create an aura of sunny youth that is not entirely accurate.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

If Whedon fares a little better it's because his ensemble – gathered from his own loquacious TV shows, lending the impression of tightly knit theatre company with a sideline in shampoo ads – have the requisite verbal snap and agility for the material.

The Guardian - Film

Their rise was said to be because of being a "one-man party" led by Soini's "verbal acuity and political agility" that resulted in the "closest thing to a landslide victory obtainable in Finland's multiparty politics".

Wikipedia

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to report TST – an agility test – as the strongest predictor for cognitive performance that is related to global cognitive function, executive control function, verbal memory, processing speed, working memory, and perceptual organization.

Clinical Epidemiology

Strengths: Height, hitting, agility.

The New York Times

He did agility drills.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's communication skills, use "verbal agility" to highlight their ability to think quickly and articulate their thoughts effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "verbal agility" solely to describe the speed of speech. While quickness is a component, the phrase also implies intelligence, clarity, and effectiveness in communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verbal agility" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific skill or attribute. It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, indicating someone's ability to use language effectively and quickly. Ludwig AI confirms this with its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

7%

Books

14%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Verbal agility" refers to the capacity to think quickly and express oneself articulately. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker. The phrase is commonly used in news and media, highlighting its relevance in describing effective communication. When using "verbal agility", focus on conveying both the speed and intelligence behind the communication, and consider alternatives like "verbal dexterity" or "linguistic skill" to fine-tune your meaning. By understanding its nuances and common usage, you can effectively employ this phrase to praise and describe skillful communicators.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verbal dexterity

Replaces "agility" with "dexterity", highlighting the skillful and adept use of language.

linguistic skill

Focuses on the broader ability in language, rather than just quickness and nimbleness.

facility with words

Highlights the ease and competence in using language.

fluency in speech

Emphasizes the smoothness and ease of speaking.

command of language

Emphasizes a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge and use of language.

articulateness

Highlights the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively.

rhetorical skill

Specifically points to skill in persuasive or effective speaking or writing.

eloquence

Suggests a refined and expressive communication style.

quick-wittedness in conversation

Highlights the ability to think and respond rapidly in spoken interactions.

gift of gab

An informal idiom for the ability to speak easily and persuasively.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is good at using words?

You might say they have "verbal agility", or use alternatives such as "linguistic skill", "articulateness", or "eloquence", depending on the specific context.

What does "verbal agility" mean?

"Verbal agility" refers to the ability to think quickly and express oneself clearly and effectively using language. It combines quick thinking with skillful communication.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "verbal agility"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize someone's ability to think on their feet and communicate their ideas effectively in real-time, like in debates, negotiations, or impromptu speaking situations.

Is "verbal agility" the same as "eloquence"?

While both terms describe skillful communication, "verbal agility" emphasizes quickness and adaptability, whereas "eloquence" focuses more on the beauty and persuasiveness of the language used. "Verbal agility" highlights the speed and efficiency of thought and expression.