verbal statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "verbal statement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to anything that is said out loud or expressed through speaking. For example, "John's verbal statement indicated that he was in favor of the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He may need them, for example, to express loneliness, or to make some other verbal statement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If the agreement is strong enough, it would have to be a document not a verbal statement.

The Guardian

Yesterday Usmanov made his first verbal statement of intent since buying up small stakes in recent weeks, purchases that are expected to make him the largest single shareholder in the club.

The Guardian - Sport

As my marginal annotations tell me, I was particularly impressed by Derrida's claim, in the essay "Violence and Metaphysics," that every verbal statement, no matter how indefinite, ultimately passes through the "violence of the concept".

The New Yorker

After some delay, Goldman provided a written statement, but Tegenlight insisted on a verbal statement to be recorded for broadcast, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The New York Times

In 1969 the Conceptual artist Douglas Huebler produced his best-known artwork, a verbal statement announcing, "The world is full of objects, more or less interesting; I do not wish to add any more".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Despite verbal statements from Kiev, Gazprom did not see any money in its account".

The Guardian

But lawyers said that the verbal statements alone carried little legal weight.

The New York Times

Verbal statements of uncertainty could be accompanied by numerical figures, to overcome individual and cultural biases in their interpretation.

The Guardian

"I think concrete steps are going to go a lot further," Gergen said, referring to the expected verbal statements.

The New Yorker

Nancy J. King, a professor at the Vanderbilt Law School, said it was rare in most jurisdictions to examine verbal statements among jurors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "verbal statement" when you need to specifically emphasize that a statement was spoken rather than written. For example, in legal or contractual contexts, the distinction between a "verbal statement" and a written agreement can be crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "verbal statement" interchangeably with "hearsay" in legal contexts. While a "verbal statement" is simply something spoken, "hearsay" refers to an out-of-court statement offered as evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted and is often inadmissible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verbal statement" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, referring to something that has been spoken. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "verbal statement" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to something spoken, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse contexts from news reporting to scientific discourse. While synonymous options like "spoken declaration" or "oral assertion" exist, "verbal statement" directly emphasizes the spoken nature of the communication. Remember that while a written declaration has supporting documentary proof of claim that a "verbal statement" does not.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spoken declaration

Emphasizes the act of declaring something aloud, highlighting the intention to make something known.

oral assertion

Focuses on the content of the statement as a claim or affirmation made verbally.

spoken pronouncement

Suggests a more formal or authoritative delivery of the statement.

vocalized remark

Highlights the act of speaking and making a comment, often in a less formal setting.

expressed utterance

Emphasizes the act of conveying thoughts or feelings through speech.

stated opinion

Specifically refers to the expression of a personal belief or viewpoint.

testimony

Implies a formal declaration, often under oath or in a legal context.

public declaration

Highlights that the statement is made openly and to a wider audience.

direct communication

Focuses on the act of conveying a message straightforwardly through spoken words.

on-the-record comment

Indicates that the statement is official and intended for public record, typically in journalism or formal settings.

FAQs

How is a "verbal statement" different from a written one?

A "verbal statement" is communicated through spoken words, while a written one is documented. The key difference lies in their form of expression and permanence. Verbal agreements, for instance, can be harder to prove than written contracts.

When is a "verbal statement" legally binding?

The legal binding of a "verbal statement" depends on the context, jurisdiction, and subject matter. Some agreements are legally enforceable even if not in writing, provided there's sufficient evidence to prove the terms and intent.

What are some synonyms for "verbal statement"?

Alternatives include "spoken declaration", "oral assertion", or "vocalized remark", each conveying a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Can nonverbal cues affect the interpretation of a "verbal statement"?

Yes, nonverbal cues such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can significantly impact how a "verbal statement" is understood. These cues can add context, emphasize points, or even contradict the literal meaning of the words used.