verbally say

USAGE SUMMARY

"verbally say" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone using spoken words to communicate something. For example, "The speaker asked everyone to verbally say their name."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"People would never attack me, but they would verbally say things to me.

The New York Times

So how people behave and what they verbally say they stand for are often at odds.

TechCrunch

"But to actually verbally say this words?

Los Angeles Times

"But you've heard about the content, you've heard what he says?" "I haven't heard him verbally say it, I've heard other women say it".

Vice

A research assistant will explain to the child what is required to participate and the child has to verbally say that they understand and are willing to participate.

BMC Public Health

When this happens, be sure to verbally say "Check".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"The president clearly disarmed verbally," said the party's deputy chairwoman, Petra Pau, meaning that he had toned down his language.

The New York Times

"The echo symbol is the online equivalent of tagging a building with antisemites graffiti or taunting someone verbally," said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL's chief executive.

The Guardian - Tech

"His originality -- what makes Typographica so impressive, even today -- is his ability to think, as an editor, both visually and verbally," said Rick Poynor, author of "Typographica" (Princeton Architectural Press).

The New York Times

Based on Gina's observation, Michelle Obama indirectly assured women that it was okay to wear sleeveless dresses and follow her lead, without verbally saying it.

Fashion and Textiles

During this exchange Trump cut over him verbally — saying "that's enough" — at which point a female White House intern moved towards Acosta and attempted to take the microphone out of his hands.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "verbally say" when you want to emphasize the act of speaking something aloud, especially to differentiate it from writing or implying something non-verbally.

Common error

Avoid using "verbally say" when the context already implies speech. For example, instead of "He verbally said 'no'," simply use "He said 'no'" as the act of saying already implies it is verbal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verbally say" functions as a verbal descriptor, emphasizing the manner in which an action or statement is communicated. It clarifies that the communication is spoken rather than written or implied. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "verbally say" is a phrase used to emphasize that communication occurs through spoken words, differentiating it from other methods like writing or non-verbal cues. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes be redundant if the context already implies speech. Ludwig AI affirms its usability, and its presence in various sources such as news media and wikis suggests a neutral register. The phrase's purpose is primarily to specify the mode of communication, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives like "state orally" or "express aloud" can be used for nuanced expression. Remember to use "verbally say" judiciously to avoid unnecessary repetition and to enhance clarity when specifying the mode of communication is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state orally

This alternative focuses on the act of stating something in a spoken manner, emphasizing the transmission of information.

articulate verbally

This highlights the clarity and expressiveness of the spoken communication.

express aloud

Focuses on the outward expression of thoughts or feelings in a spoken form.

utter verbally

This alternative emphasizes the act of producing speech or sounds.

declare orally

Implies a more formal or official pronouncement using spoken words.

communicate verbally

Highlights the overall process of conveying information through speech.

mention explicitly

Focuses on making something known in a clear and direct spoken manner.

pronounce verbally

Emphasizes the act of speaking words with correct articulation.

voice aloud

This focuses on giving a voice or expressing something in a spoken format.

put into words orally

This highlights the transformation of thoughts into spoken language.

FAQs

What does "verbally say" mean?

"Verbally say" means to express something using spoken words. It emphasizes the act of communicating through speech, as opposed to writing or non-verbal communication.

When is it appropriate to use "verbally say"?

It is appropriate to use "verbally say" when you want to highlight that something was explicitly communicated through speech. This is particularly useful when differentiating from written or implied communication.

What are some alternatives to "verbally say"?

Alternatives to "verbally say" include "state orally", "articulate verbally", or "express aloud", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "verbally say" redundant?

Sometimes, yes. The word "say" often implies a verbal action, so using "verbally say" can be redundant. However, it is useful when contrasting verbal communication with other forms of expression.