Useful alternatives include “convey”, “express”, “articulate”, “relay”. “Communicate” can mean expressing an idea, passing on information, corresponding with someone, or signaling. These verbs highlight different parts of that process.
Choose the Verb by What Is Being Communicated
- Convey
- Express
- Articulate
- Relay
- Report
- Inform
- Share
- Transmit
- Disclose
- Explain
- Correspond
- Connect
- Signal
Convey
“Convey” is broad and emphasizes transferring an idea, feeling, or meaning to another person.
Example: Please convey the decision clearly to everyone involved.
Express
“Express” focuses on putting thoughts or feelings into words or another form.
Example: Please express the decision clearly to everyone involved.
Articulate
“Articulate” is best when the emphasis is clear, effective expression of an idea.
Example: Please articulate the decision clearly to everyone involved.
Relay
“Relay” means passing information from one person or place to another.
Example: Please relay the decision clearly to everyone involved.
Report
“Report” is appropriate for formally giving findings, results, or status information.
Example: Please report the decision clearly to everyone involved.
Inform
“Inform” means giving someone information they did not previously have.
Example: Please inform the decision clearly to everyone involved.
Share
“Share” is conversational and suitable for information, ideas, files, or experiences.
Example: Please share the decision clearly to everyone involved.
Transmit
“Transmit” is best for sending signals, data, messages, or information through a medium.
Example: Please transmit the decision clearly to everyone involved.
Disclose
“Disclose” means making information known, often when it was previously private.
Example: Please disclose the decision clearly to everyone involved.
Explain
“Explain” is useful when communication involves making something understandable.
Example: Please explain the decision clearly to everyone involved.
Correspond
“Correspond” focuses on exchanging written or spoken messages over time.
Example: The teams correspond regularly to keep the work aligned.
Connect
“Connect” is broader and can describe establishing a relationship or meaningful contact.
Example: The teams connect regularly to keep the work aligned.
Signal
“Signal” is best when communication occurs through a sign, cue, or indirect indication.
Example: The result may signal a change in customer behavior.
Communicate Can Describe Different Actions
You can communicate an idea, relay a message, inform a person, correspond with someone, or signal something indirectly. Choosing the more specific verb usually makes the sentence clearer.