verbal assurance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "verbal assurance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a spoken promise or guarantee made by someone. Example: "After our discussion, I felt more confident knowing I had received verbal assurance from my manager regarding the project's approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This necessitates approval through multiple channels, such as e-mail, text and verbal assurance by phone.

The New York Times

The vendor said her company chose the Palazzo because it was inexpensive, and received a verbal assurance that its exhibit would be permitted.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, at a hearing with Fran Mainella, the park service director, Mr. Skeen, the longest-serving House member in New Mexico's history, demanded and received verbal assurance that the lunchroom would not be trifled with.

The New York Times

Although ministers gave some ground in response to concerns, sector lobbyists argue that too little has been written into the legislation and too much relies on verbal assurance and forthcoming guidance.

The Guardian

Turns out DeepMind's patient data firewall was nothing more than a verbal assurance — and two years later those words have been steamrollered by corporate reconfiguration, as Google and Alphabet elbow DeepMind's team aside and prepare to latch onto a burgeoning new market opportunity.

TechCrunch

But if you want to bring your guide pony aboard, you need to be legitimately disabled and be able to provide "credible verbal assurance" that you require the assistance of a downsized equine.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Airlines needed only credible verbal assurances that the animal was a legitimate service animal, the agency said.

The New York Times

The next sentence reads, "Accompanied by verbal assurances, we would like to go further if we can make satisfactory progress".

The New York Times

Despite verbal assurances that these would only be "partially secret", there is nothing in the legislation that specifies that to be the case.

The Guardian - Opinion

What about the verbal assurances that Suárez believes he received from Liverpool, agreeing to let him leave if someone offered more than £40m?

The Guardian - Sport

He added the Syrian government had given verbal assurances about allowing convoys into all areas save Douma and Daraya, two towns with populations of more than 200,000.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking a "verbal assurance", always follow up with a written confirmation (email or memo) to document the agreement and avoid future misunderstandings.

Common error

Don't assume that a "verbal assurance" holds the same legal weight as a written contract. While it can establish an agreement, it's harder to prove and enforce in court. Always prioritize written agreements for critical matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verbal assurance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "received verbal assurance") or the subject of a clause. Ludwig examples show it denoting a commitment made through spoken words.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "verbal assurance" refers to a promise or guarantee given orally, without written documentation. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in English, though less formal than a written agreement. It's most frequently found in news and scientific contexts. While a "verbal assurance" can provide comfort and establish trust, it's crucial to remember that it may not be as legally binding as a written contract. For important agreements, always seek written confirmation to avoid potential misunderstandings and ensure enforceability. Alternatives include "oral guarantee" and "spoken pledge".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oral guarantee

Replaces "assurance" with "guarantee", emphasizing the certainty of the spoken commitment.

spoken pledge

Substitutes "assurance" with "pledge", highlighting a formal and binding spoken promise.

word of honor

Emphasizes the trustworthiness and integrity behind the spoken assurance.

verbal commitment

Focuses on the aspect of obligation associated with the spoken agreement.

spoken affirmation

Replaces "assurance" with "affirmation", highlighting the confirmation aspect.

oral confirmation

Uses "confirmation" to specify that the assurance is a restatement to remove doubt.

personal guarantee

Emphasizes the personal responsibility associated with the assurance.

promise by word of mouth

More descriptive, specifies that the promise was communicated orally.

unwritten guarantee

Highlights the absence of a written document.

gentleman's agreement

Implies a non-binding agreement based on honor and trust.

FAQs

What does "verbal assurance" mean?

A "verbal assurance" is a spoken promise or guarantee, given without being written down. It relies on the speaker's word and their intent to fulfill the commitment.

How binding is a "verbal assurance"?

A "verbal assurance" can be binding depending on the context and jurisdiction, but it is generally more difficult to enforce than a written agreement. For important matters, a written contract is always preferable.

What are some alternatives to "verbal assurance"?

You can use alternatives like "oral guarantee", "spoken pledge", or "word of honor" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

Is it better to get a "verbal assurance" or a written one?

A written assurance is almost always better than a "verbal assurance". It provides a clear record of the agreement, making it easier to enforce and less prone to misinterpretation.