verbal commentary

USAGE SUMMARY

"verbal commentary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to spoken remarks that are intended to analyze, criticize or praise something. For example: "The detective's verbal commentary on the investigation was insightful and full of valuable observations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Viewers can watch each city unfold over time, but without written or verbal commentary, allowing freedom of interpretation.

Harvard University

Twelve drivers took part in an on-road study and performed a verbal commentary as they drove around a defined test route.

Safety Science

For example, audiences could be offered help: not just preconcert lectures but more verbal commentary from the conductor, with excerpts played by the musicians before the performance.

The New York Times - Arts

Any vestige of romantic love in Jeff's Verbal Commentary?" "I'd say no," Verlaine said over the P.A. "That's all just pretty much basic human feeling right there".

The New Yorker

Yet he's often at Sardi's, issuing a passing verbal commentary on the wide variety of persons who go into that theatrical district restaurant for dinner, supper and first‐night parties.

The New York Times

This vast piece, part photographic image, part verbal commentary, documented sightings of a shabbily-dressed man who patrolled Smithfield on an irregular basis, sometimes disappearing for weeks before reappearing on a daily basis, only to slip away again.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I have been using the platform to store entirely verbal commentaries on students' projects and it is proving the ideal way of ensuring students truly 'gather' the feedback you provide.

The Guardian

However, according to the authors, the employment of relatively more able individuals, together with overt verbal commentaries, strongly encouraged by the experimenter, might account for the self-reference effect displayed by participants with ASD, and thus for the discrepancies with previous literature [28] [30].

Plosone

Commentary driving typically involves being trained in how to produce a verbal running commentary about what you can see, what you are doing, what might happen and what action you will take to avoid potential hazards, while driving.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

"In a number of forces, migrants are reporting verbal abuse, negative social media commentary including xenophobic language, anti-migrant leafleting and, in very limited numbers, physical assaults.

The Guardian

But many of Ms. Dwyer's sculptures still hold up nicely as punchy condensations of the verbal, the visual and political commentary.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "verbal commentary", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject being commented on. For instance, specify "verbal commentary on the film" or "verbal commentary during the game" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "verbal commentary" excessively in formal documents. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound redundant. Instead, consider more concise alternatives like "explanation", "analysis", or "assessment" depending on the intended meaning. Consider the "oral explanation" or "spoken remarks" depending on context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verbal commentary" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes the act of providing spoken remarks that analyze, explain, or interpret something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "verbal commentary" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe spoken remarks that provide analysis or interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and versatility across various contexts. It's prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more concise alternatives in highly formal writing. Remember to specify the subject of the "verbal commentary" to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "spoken analysis" or "oral explanation" depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spoken remarks

A more general term, simply indicating that comments were spoken rather than written.

oral remarks

Like 'spoken remarks', this is a more general term, indicating that comments were presented orally.

verbal assessment

Similar to 'spoken assessment' but focusing less on the spoken aspect.

spoken analysis

Highlights the analytical aspect of the commentary, emphasizing critical evaluation.

spoken assessment

Highlights the evaluation aspect of the commentary, emphasizing judgment and appraisal.

oral explanation

Focuses on the spoken aspect of the explanation, emphasizing clarity and understanding.

articulated remarks

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the spoken comments, suggesting careful thought and preparation.

vocal interpretation

Emphasizes the act of interpreting something through speech, suggesting a subjective viewpoint.

narrated observations

Focuses on the act of describing observations aloud, emphasizing a detailed and chronological account.

expressed opinion

Highlights the personal viewpoint being shared, suggesting subjectivity and potential bias.

FAQs

How can I use "verbal commentary" in a sentence?

You can use "verbal commentary" to describe spoken remarks that provide analysis, explanation, or opinion. For example, "The director provided a detailed verbal commentary on each scene of the movie."

What are some alternatives to "verbal commentary"?

Alternatives include "spoken analysis", "oral explanation", or "vocal interpretation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "verbal commentary" formal or informal?

"Verbal commentary" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in very formal writing, consider whether a more concise term like "analysis" or "explanation" would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "verbal commentary" and "written commentary"?

"Verbal commentary" refers to spoken remarks, while "written commentary" refers to written remarks. The key difference is the medium of communication – spoken versus written.