The English Oracle

Can I use "verbally" in a written context?

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Chapters
00:00 Can I Use &Quot;Verbally&Quot; In A Written Context?
00:17 Accepted Answer Score 7
00:47 Thank you

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Tags
#adverbs #writing

#avk47



ACCEPTED ANSWER

Score 7


It would be unwise.

I suspect most people might understand verbally to mean orally, while those with a more classical education might understand verbally to mean with words from the Latin verbum as opposed to drawing pictures or giving a hug.

So if you mean "in writing", then use that phrase to avoid misunderstanding; literally may also be misunderstood.

This may contrast with other languages. For example in French law, a procès-verbal is a detailed written document.