verbalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "verbalize" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to mean expressing something in words, either by speaking or writing. For example: I find it difficult to verbalize my feelings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But Allen had worked in the Brooklyn shipyard, and he would come and ask me questions in a very thoughtful and gentle way, to get me to verbalize what was maybe visual but not verbal.

The New Yorker

But even for the peoples who do not verbalize musical ideas, underlying conceptual structures exist and may be perceived by observing musical practice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But if the perpetrators' documents bespoke no discernible emotion, those who had lived through those terrible times lacked the capacity to verbalize the depth of their suffering.

The New Yorker

She made them visualize, verbalize, and write the idea.

The New Yorker

"I'm not sure I know what that means," he says, before conceding, "That's a fine statement, you know?" Affable despite his elusiveness, Lynch seems less to be stonewalling than striving to verbalize daunting concepts with a vocabulary that might politely be termed basic.

The New Yorker

Others go so far as to verbalize emoticons: "smiley face!" The road from Usenet to cocktail party chatter was largely paved by texting, said David Crystal, a noted linguist based in northern Wales.

The New York Times

But the problem is that he chose to verbalize it while he was in the role of an analyst at a news organization.

The New York Times

To verbalize the truth even to a stranger would give concrete form to a vacuum in his life he is trying to ignore.

The New York Times

"First, listen to people, let them verbalize their feelings.

The New York Times

"I feel the appreciation from my aunt, even if she's much less able to verbalize it".

The New York Times

"But they are different in the way they verbalize it".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "verbalize" when you want to emphasize the act of expressing something through words, especially when it involves transforming thoughts or feelings into a tangible verbal form.

Common error

Avoid using "verbalize" when you actually mean to "visualize". "Verbalize" means to express with words, while "visualize" means to form a mental image. They are antonyms in this context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "verbalize" is that of a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. It describes the action of expressing something in words, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples such as, "She made them visualize, verbalize, and write the idea."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "verbalize" functions as a transitive verb that expresses the act of putting thoughts or feelings into words. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in neutral and professional contexts like news and media. While alternatives such as "articulate" and "express in words" exist, "verbalize" carries a specific nuance of transforming internal experiences into language. Be mindful not to confuse it with "visualize", which has an opposite meaning. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources underscores its value in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express in words

Directly indicates the action of conveying something using language.

put into words

Highlights the act of transforming thoughts into a verbal form.

vocalize

Emphasizes the spoken aspect of expressing something.

articulate

Focuses on clarity and precision in expressing oneself.

voice

Highlights the act of giving expression or opinion.

communicate

A broader term that includes both verbal and non-verbal methods of conveying information.

convey

Focuses on successfully transmitting a message or idea.

state

Implies a formal or clear declaration of something.

utter

Suggests a simple or brief expression of something.

declare

Indicates a strong or official statement.

FAQs

How can I use "verbalize" in a sentence?

You can use "verbalize" to describe the act of expressing thoughts or feelings through words. For example, "It was difficult for her to verbalize her emotions".

What are some alternatives to "verbalize"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "articulate", "express in words", or "put into words".

What does it mean to "verbalize" something?

To "verbalize" something means to express it using words, either spoken or written. It involves translating thoughts, feelings, or ideas into a coherent linguistic form.

Is "verbalize" the same as "vocalize"?

While related, "verbalize" and "vocalize" are not identical. "Verbalize" refers to expressing something in words generally, while "vocalize" specifically means to express something through speech or sound.