verbally accepted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'verbally accepted' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was accepted through verbal agreement rather than by something in writing. For example: "The job offer was verbally accepted during the initial phone call."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has verbally accepted an offer to re-join Perth Glory for next season although a contract is yet to be signed.

Independent

However, having worked as Hodgson's assistant at West Bromwich Albion and verbally accepted the offer to leave Blackpool, Appleton felt he should discuss it with the England manager.

Independent

A holistic health counselor who worked as a part-time booker for the prostitution ring that ensnared former Gov. Eliot Spitzer has verbally accepted a plea agreement and is expected to plead guilty next month to lighter charges than those faced by her fellow defendants, her lawyer said Monday.

The New York Times

However, St-Pierre offered Penn a rematch in the summer that Penn verbally accepted but is unlikely to happen due to the fact they have both since been scheduled for title defenses.

Wikipedia

The persons who verbally accepted to participate received an information letter about the study, and signed an informed consent form before taking part.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Molina verbally accepts the idea that one is significantly free only if one could have done otherwise in the same circumstances (in the literature this is called incompatibilist freedom).

SEP

Women who marry in a traditional unilateral ceremony do not verbally accept the ring under the chuppah nor show any other sign of approval except the motion of putting out their ring finger.

Huffington Post

If you call the wholesaler and verbally accept the terms of the agreement, you have entered into a contract.

WikiHow

If you verbally accept the price and give the go-ahead for the caterer to act on the agreement, that counts as a legal contract.

WikiHow

On Jan . 14the White Plains Common Council agreed verbally to accept the Town Center plans.

The New York Times

Thank them verbally for accepting them.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "verbally accepted", ensure that both parties understand that a formal, written agreement may still be necessary for legal or official purposes. Verbal agreements can sometimes be difficult to prove or enforce.

Common error

Be aware that in some legal contexts, a "verbally accepted" agreement may not be sufficient. Always check if a written contract is required to make the agreement enforceable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verbally accepted" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of accepting something through spoken words. This contrasts with written acceptance, emphasizing the oral nature of the agreement. Ludwig confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "verbally accepted" is used to describe an agreement made through spoken words rather than a written document. Ludwig highlights that this phrase is grammatically correct but relatively rare. Its primary function is to convey that an offer or proposal has been accepted orally, with implications about the formality and potential enforceability of the agreement. While used in various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media, scientific publications, and general writing. Understanding the nuances of this phrase, as Ludwig explains, is crucial for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

orally agreed upon

Emphasizes the oral nature of the agreement, highlighting that it was spoken rather than written.

verbally consented to

Focuses on the aspect of giving consent through spoken words.

agreed by word of mouth

Highlights the informal method of agreement through spoken communication.

gave verbal approval

Emphasizes the act of providing approval through spoken communication.

reached a spoken agreement

Focuses on the outcome of reaching an agreement through verbal means.

expressed oral acceptance

Highlights the expression of acceptance through spoken words.

verbally gave the green light

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey permission granted through speech.

assented verbally

Uses a more formal term for agreement, emphasizing the spoken aspect.

verbally confirmed

Focuses on the confirmation aspect, specifying that it was done verbally.

verbally signed off on

Uses an informal term for approval, specifying the approval as being verbal.

FAQs

What does "verbally accepted" mean?

The phrase "verbally accepted" means that an offer, proposal, or agreement has been agreed to through spoken words, rather than through a signed, written document.

Is a "verbally accepted" agreement legally binding?

Whether a "verbally accepted" agreement is legally binding depends on the specific circumstances and the laws governing the agreement. Some agreements require written documentation to be enforceable.

What can I say instead of "verbally accepted"?

You can use alternatives like "orally agreed upon", "verbally consented to", or "agreed by word of mouth" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "verbally accepted" and "accepted in writing"?

"Verbally accepted" implies an agreement made through spoken communication, while "accepted in writing" signifies a formal agreement documented in a written form, often with signatures.