Oral vs Verbal: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Oral" refers to something related to the mouth or spoken, while "verbal" is related to words and is sometimes used to mean spoken as well.
Memory Tip: oral = mouth, verbal = words
oral starts with /ɔː/, verbal starts with /v/
oral
adjectivePertaining to the mouth or spoken communication; often used to describe forms of expression or assessment that involve verbal articulation rather than written or non-verbal methods, particularly in contexts such as education, law, and health.
Example:
If more oral exams were conducted, students might develop better communication skills, although some argue that written tests are more comprehensive.
Common patterns:
oral presentation
oral examination
oral tradition
verbal
adjectivePertaining to or expressed in words; often used to denote communication that is articulated through spoken or written language, as opposed to non-verbal forms of expression. In a broader context, it may also refer to the specific use of language in variou
Example:
Although the contract was initially agreed upon verbally, it would have been more secure if it had been documented in writing.
Common patterns:
verbal communication
verbal expression
verbal agreement
Common Mistakes
The lawyer gave an oral agreement in the meeting.
The lawyer gave a verbal agreement in the meeting.
A 'verbal agreement' refers to an agreement made with words, not necessarily spoken aloud.
The doctor conducted a verbal examination of the patient's throat.
The doctor conducted an oral examination of the patient's throat.
An 'oral examination' refers to an examination related to the mouth.
Quick Practice
0/1 correct1. If more ____ exams were conducted, students might develop better communication skills, although some argue that written tests are more comprehensive.
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