Beyond ‘Communicated’: Expanding Your English Vocabulary

Effective communication is the cornerstone of human interaction, and mastering the nuances of expressing how we convey information is crucial. While “communicated” serves as a fundamental term, relying solely on it can limit the richness and precision of your language.

This article delves into a diverse range of alternative words and phrases that offer a more nuanced and sophisticated way to describe the act of communication. Whether you’re an English language learner or a seasoned writer, expanding your vocabulary in this area will enhance your ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas with greater clarity and impact.

This guide is designed for students, professionals, and anyone seeking to refine their communication skills.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of Communication
3. Structural Breakdown of Communication Verbs
4. Types and Categories of Communication Verbs
   • Verbal Communication
   • Non-Verbal Communication
   • Written Communication
   • Electronic Communication
5. Examples of Alternative Words for ‘Communicated’
   • Verbal Communication Examples
   • Non-Verbal Communication Examples
   • Written Communication Examples
   • Electronic Communication Examples
   • Formal Communication Examples
   • Informal Communication Examples
6. Usage Rules and Considerations
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics in Communication Verbs
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion

Definition of Communication

Communication, at its core, is the process of conveying information, ideas, thoughts, feelings, or emotions from one entity to another. This process requires a sender, a message, a channel through which the message is transmitted, and a receiver.

Effective communication occurs when the receiver understands the message as intended by the sender. The term “communicated” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “communicate,” which means to share or exchange information, news, ideas, feelings, etc.

However, the act of communicating can take many forms and occur in various contexts. It can be verbal, involving spoken or written words; non-verbal, relying on body language, facial expressions, and gestures; or a combination of both. The specific verb used to describe the act of communication often depends on the method, context, and intention of the communication.

Structural Breakdown of Communication Verbs

Communication verbs can be analyzed based on their syntactic structure and how they interact with other elements in a sentence. Understanding these structures helps in using these verbs correctly and effectively.

Most communication verbs are transitive, meaning they require a direct object. For example, in the sentence “She explained the concept,” “explained” is the verb, and “the concept” is the direct object. Some communication verbs can also be intransitive, meaning they do not require a direct object. For instance, “He spoke eloquently.” Here, “spoke” is intransitive.

Communication verbs can also be followed by different types of complements, such as that-clauses, wh-clauses, or infinitives. Examples include: “She said that she was coming,” “He asked where the meeting was,” and “They agreed to help.” These structures add complexity and nuance to the way communication is expressed.

Types and Categories of Communication Verbs

Communication verbs can be categorized based on the mode of communication they describe. Here are some key categories:

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication involves the use of spoken or written words. Verbs in this category include: speak, say, tell, explain, discuss, argue, debate, lecture, inform, announce, mention, suggest, persuade, convince, negotiate, converse, chat, whisper, shout, yell, stammer, stutter.

Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication involves conveying messages without the use of words, relying instead on body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice. Verbs in this category include: signal, gesture, indicate, imply, suggest, express, reveal, betray, show, demonstrate, nod, wink, smile, frown, shrug, point.

Written Communication

Written communication involves conveying messages through written words, such as letters, emails, reports, and articles. Verbs in this category include: write, email, text, message, report, document, record, note, correspond, draft, outline, transcribe, inscribe, pen, author, blog, tweet.

Electronic Communication

Electronic communication involves using digital technologies to convey messages, such as email, text messaging, social media, and video conferencing. Verbs in this category include: email, text, message, video conference, instant message, post, tweet, share, upload, download, broadcast, livestream, podcast, connect.

Examples of Alternative Words for ‘Communicated’

Here are several tables showcasing different alternatives to the word “communicated,” categorized by the type of communication, formality, and context. Each table includes a variety of examples to illustrate how these verbs can be used in different situations.

Verbal Communication Examples

This table provides examples of verbs that can be used instead of “communicated” when referring to spoken or written verbal exchanges. These examples highlight the nuances of how information is shared and received.

Alternative Verb	Example Sentence
Articulated	She articulated her concerns clearly during the meeting.
Conveyed	He conveyed his apologies for the delay.
Expressed	They expressed their gratitude for the support they received.
Stated	The report stated that the project was on schedule.
Declared	The government declared a state of emergency.
Announced	The company announced its new CEO yesterday.
Mentioned	He mentioned that he would be late for the meeting.
Informed	We informed the clients about the changes to the contract.
Advised	The doctor advised her to get more rest.
Suggested	She suggested that we try a different approach.
Proposed	He proposed a new marketing strategy.
Explained	The teacher explained the concept in detail.
Discussed	We discussed the project’s progress during the meeting.
Debated	The politicians debated the issue on national television.
Argued	They argued about the best way to solve the problem.
Persuaded	He persuaded her to join the team.
Convinced	She convinced him to invest in the company.
Negotiated	The union negotiated a new contract with the company.
Conversed	They conversed for hours about their shared interests.
Chatted	We chatted casually during the coffee break.
Whispered	He whispered a secret in her ear.
Shouted	She shouted a warning to the crowd.
Yelled	He yelled in frustration.
Stammered	He stammered when he was nervous.
Stuttered	She stuttered slightly when she spoke.
Related	He related the story of his travels.
Recounted	She recounted the events of the evening.
Narrated	The author narrated the audiobook version of his novel.

Non-Verbal Communication Examples

This table focuses on verbs that describe how messages are conveyed through non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures. These verbs are useful for describing subtle forms of communication.

Alternative Verb	Example Sentence
Signaled	He signaled to the driver to stop.
Gestured	She gestured towards the door.
Indicated	The sign indicated the direction of the exit.
Implied	Her tone implied that she was unhappy.
Suggested	His silence suggested that he disagreed.
Expressed	Her face expressed her disappointment.
Revealed	His body language revealed his nervousness.
Betrayed	Her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
Showed	He showed his approval with a nod.
Demonstrated	She demonstrated her skill with a single gesture.
Nodded	He nodded in agreement.
Winked	She winked at him playfully.
Smiled	He smiled warmly at her.
Frowned	She frowned in disapproval.
Shrugged	He shrugged his shoulders, indicating he didn’t know.
Pointed	She pointed to the map to show the location.
Mimicked	He mimicked her expression to tease her.
Emoted	The dancer emoted the character’s pain through her movements.
Displayed	The artwork displayed a range of emotions.
Exuded	He exuded confidence through his posture.
Portrayed	The actor portrayed the character’s inner turmoil with a subtle glance.
Reflected	Her silence reflected her deep contemplation.
Evidenced	His trembling hands evidenced his anxiety.
Signified	The red flag signified danger.
Symbolized	The dove symbolized peace.

Written Communication Examples

This table provides alternatives for “communicated” specifically related to written forms of communication, such as letters, emails, reports, and articles. These verbs emphasize the act of putting thoughts and information into writing.

Alternative Verb	Example Sentence
Wrote	She wrote a letter to her friend.
Emailed	He emailed the report to his manager.
Texted	They texted each other throughout the day.
Messaged	She messaged him on social media.
Reported	The journalist reported on the event.
Documented	The historian documented the events of the war.
Recorded	The secretary recorded the minutes of the meeting.
Noted	He noted the key points in his notebook.
Corresponded	They corresponded regularly by mail.
Drafted	She drafted the proposal for the project.
Outlined	He outlined his ideas in a presentation.
Transcribed	The court reporter transcribed the testimony.
Inscribed	The artist inscribed his name on the sculpture.
Penned	He penned a heartfelt poem.
Authored	She authored a book on the subject.
Blogged	He blogged about his experiences traveling abroad.
Tweeted	She tweeted her thoughts on the matter.
Circulated	The memo was circulated to all employees.
Published	The research paper was published in a scientific journal.
Composed	She composed a formal letter of complaint.
Compiled	He compiled a report based on the survey results.
Edited	She edited the manuscript before submitting it.
Formatted	He formatted the document for easy readability.
Filed	She filed the documents in the correct order.
Submitted	He submitted his application online.
Researched	She researched the topic thoroughly before writing.

Electronic Communication Examples

The following verbs are specific to electronic communication methods. They are useful in describing how information is shared and exchanged in the digital age.

Alternative Verb	Example Sentence
Emailed	She emailed the attachment to the team.
Texted	He texted her to confirm the meeting time.
Messaged	They messaged each other on WhatsApp.
Video conferenced	The team video conferenced to discuss the project.
Instant messaged	He instant messaged her with a quick question.
Posted	She posted a photo on Instagram.
Tweeted	He tweeted his opinion on the news.
Shared	She shared the article on Facebook.
Uploaded	He uploaded the video to YouTube.
Downloaded	She downloaded the file from the website.
Broadcast	The station broadcast the news live.
Livestreamed	He livestreamed the event on Twitch.
Podcasted	They podcasted their discussion on the topic.
Connected	She connected with him on LinkedIn.
Linked	He linked to the article in his blog post.
Forwarded	She forwarded the email to her colleague.
Pinged	He pinged her on Slack to get her attention.
Streamed	They streamed the movie online.
Subscribed	She subscribed to his YouTube channel.
Unsubscribed	He unsubscribed from the newsletter.
Commented	She commented on his post.
Reacted	He reacted to her message with a heart.
Tagged	She tagged him in the photo.
Mentioned	He mentioned her in his tweet.
Followed	She followed him on Twitter.

Formal Communication Examples

This table lists alternatives to “communicated” that are suitable for formal settings, such as business meetings, academic papers, and official reports. These verbs convey a sense of professionalism and precision.

Alternative Verb	Example Sentence
Disclosed	The company disclosed its financial results.
Notified	The bank notified the customer of the transaction.
Informed	The committee informed the public of its decision.
Conveyed	The ambassador conveyed the president’s message.
Transmitted	The data was transmitted securely.
Articulated	The speaker articulated the policy changes.
Presented	The researcher presented the findings at the conference.
Detailed	The report detailed the project’s progress.
Stipulated	The contract stipulated the terms of the agreement.
Asserted	The lawyer asserted his client’s innocence.
Declared	The government declared its commitment to the treaty.
Affirmed	The court affirmed the lower court’s decision.
Consulted	The doctor consulted with a specialist on the case.
Briefed	The officer briefed the team on the mission.
Apprised	We apprised the board of the situation.
Advised	The consultant advised the company on its strategy.
Enunciated	The speaker enunciated each word clearly.
Explained	The professor explained the theory in depth.
Elaborated	She elaborated on the details of the plan.
Clarified	He clarified the ambiguity in the statement.
Specified	The document specified the requirements.
Identified	The report identified the key issues.
Delineated	The contract delineated the responsibilities of each party.

Informal Communication Examples

This table lists alternatives to “communicated” that are more suitable for informal settings like casual conversations, personal emails, and social media posts. These verbs are more relaxed and conversational.

Alternative Verb	Example Sentence
Told	She told me about her vacation.
Said	He said he was going to be late.
Let on	He let on that he had a surprise for her.
Mentioned	She mentioned she was moving to a new city.
Hinted	He hinted that he might be getting a promotion.
Shared	She shared her thoughts on the matter.
Spilled	He spilled the secret about the party.
Confided	She confided in her best friend.
Chatted	They chatted about their day.
Gabbled	The kids gabbled excitedly about the trip.
Blurted	He blurted out the answer without thinking.
Wrote	She wrote me a quick note.
Texted	He texted me to see if I was free.
Messaged	She messaged me on Facebook.
IM’d	He IM’d me the link to the article.
Tweeted	She tweeted about her favorite TV show.
Gave word	He gave word that he would be there.
Dropped a line	She dropped a line to say hello.
Spoke of	He spoke of his adventures in the mountains.
Let know	She let me know she was running late.
Kept in touch	They kept in touch via email.
Got in touch	He got in touch with her after many years.
Reached out	She reached out to him for advice.

Usage Rules and Considerations

When choosing an alternative to “communicated,” it’s important to consider the context, audience, and purpose of your communication. Here are some general rules and considerations:

• Formality: Select verbs that match the level of formality required. Use formal verbs like “disclosed” or “articulated” in professional settings, and informal verbs like “told” or “chatted” in casual conversations.
• Specificity: Choose verbs that accurately reflect the manner in which the information was conveyed. For example, use “whispered” if the communication was quiet and secretive, or “shouted” if it was loud and emphatic.
• Emphasis: Consider what aspect of the communication you want to emphasize. Use “expressed” to highlight the sharing of feelings or opinions, or “reported” to focus on the dissemination of factual information.
• Tense Consistency: Ensure that the verb tense is consistent with the rest of the sentence and the overall narrative.
• Subject-Verb Agreement: Always ensure that the verb agrees with the subject in number (singular or plural).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “communicated”:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
She said me the answer.	She told me the answer.	“Say” does not take an indirect object without “to.” Use “tell” instead.
He explained to me the situation.	He explained the situation to me.	The structure “explained something to someone” is more common and natural.
They informed to us about the delay.	They informed us about the delay.	“Inform” does not require the preposition “to” before the indirect object.
She suggested me to go.	She suggested that I go. / She suggested I go.	“Suggest” is usually followed by a “that” clause with the subjunctive mood or the base form of the verb.
He convinced to her to join.	He convinced her to join.	“Convince” takes a direct object and is followed by “to” + infinitive.
They debated about the issue.	They debated the issue.	“Debate” is a transitive verb and does not require the preposition “about.”
She announced to the public her retirement.	She announced her retirement to the public.	The direct object usually comes immediately after “announce.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of the alternatives to “communicated” with these exercises. Choose the best verb to complete each sentence.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Question	Answer
1. The doctor _______ the patient about the risks of the surgery.	informed
2. She _______ her feelings through her artwork.	expressed
3. He _______ the news of his promotion to his family.	announced
4. They _______ the terms of the contract before signing it.	discussed
5. The lawyer _______ that his client was innocent.	asserted
6. She _______ her concerns about the project to her manager.	articulated
7. He _______ his intentions with a knowing smile.	implied
8. The company _______ its quarterly earnings in a press release.	disclosed
9. She _______ her friend about her new job.	told
10. He _______ to her in a whisper.	whispered

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Question	Answer
1. The teacher _______ the complex concept to the students.	explained
2. The politician _______ his vision for the future of the country.	presented
3. She _______ her disappointment with a sigh.	expressed
4. He _______ the message to his team via email.	sent/transmitted
5. They _______ their disagreement during the meeting.	debated/argued
6. The author _______ a compelling story in his new novel.	narrated/wrote
7. She _______ her gratitude for their support.	conveyed/expressed
8. He _______ that he would be unable to attend the event.	mentioned
9. They _______ to meet again next week.	agreed
10. She _______ the secret to her closest friend.	confided

Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Verb

Question	Answer
1. The sign _______ the direction to the museum. (indicated/said)	indicated
2. She _______ a heartfelt letter to her grandmother. (emailed/penned)	penned
3. He _______ his opinion on the matter on social media. (tweeted/whispered)	tweeted
4. They _______ about the best course of action. (chatted/negotiated)	negotiated
5. She _______ her disapproval with a frown. (smiled/frowned)	frowned
6. He _______ to the waiter to bring the check. (gestured/shouted)	gestured
7. They _______ the information in a confidential report. (disclosed/hinted)	disclosed
8. She _______ the details of the plan to her colleagues. (elaborated/mumbled)	elaborated
9. He _______ her to invest in the company. (persuaded/threatened)	persuaded
10. They _______ the meeting live on YouTube. (livestreamed/wrote)	livestreamed

Advanced Topics in Communication Verbs

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of communication verbs can lead to a deeper understanding of language and its impact. Here are some advanced topics to consider:

• Pragmatics: Study how context affects the meaning of communication verbs. For example, how does the social situation influence the interpretation of “suggested” or “implied”?
• Figurative Language: Analyze how communication verbs are used in metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech to create vivid imagery and convey complex ideas.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Investigate how different cultures use communication verbs differently, and how these differences can lead to misunderstandings.
• Historical Linguistics: Explore how the meanings of communication verbs have changed over time, and how these changes reflect shifts in social and cultural norms.
• Psycholinguistics: Study how the brain processes and understands communication verbs, and how this processing is affected by factors such as age, language proficiency, and cognitive abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering the art of communication involves more than just using the word “communicated.” By expanding your vocabulary and understanding the nuances of various communication verbs, you can express yourself with greater precision, clarity, and impact. This article has provided a comprehensive guide to alternative words for “communicated,” categorized by type, formality, and context.

By applying the usage rules, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing the exercises provided, you can significantly enhance your communication skills and become a more effective communicator in all aspects of your life. Keep exploring, practicing, and refining your language skills to unlock the full potential of your communication abilities.