ENGLISH
REFERENCE

verbally

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //vɝˈbæɫi// UK //vˈɜːbəli// ver·bal·ly

adv. using spoken words rather than writing or physical actions. You use this when you want to say that something was said out loud.

adv. by means of spoken words as opposed to written communication or physical force.


SIMPLE

She agreed to the plan verbally.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager gave the instructions verbally because there was no time to print a formal memo.

COMPLEX

While the contract was never signed, the parties had reached a consensus verbally, which created a complicated legal situation when the project was eventually cancelled.

Origin

From verbal + -ly.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.

Pitfall

He attacked me verbally with a letterHe attacked me in writing with a letterVerbally refers specifically to spoken communication; it cannot be used for written words.

© 2026 English Reference