What does “By word of mouth” mean?
"By word of mouth" means information or news that is spread through spoken communication or oral tradition.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The news spread by word of mouth throughout the small town.
Example
The restaurant became popular by word of mouth recommendations.
Example
The story was passed down by word of mouth from generation to generation
Is “By word of mouth” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“By word of mouth” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “By word of mouth” effectively in context?
You can use "By word of mouth" to describe information or news that is spread through spoken communication or oral tradition. It emphasizes the power of personal recommendations and the influence of people sharing information with each other. For example, if you want to explain how a small business became popular, you might say, 'The restaurant gained its reputation "by word of mouth" recommendations from satisfied customers.'
- 1Marketing
The new product became a hit by word of mouth as customers shared their positive experiences with friends and family.
- 2Storytelling
Legends and folklore were passed down by word of mouth from one generation to the next, preserving cultural heritage.
- 3News and Information
In the absence of social media, news and rumors would spread by word of mouth throughout the community.
Similar phrases to “By word of mouth”:
Verbal communication
To exchange information or ideas through spoken words
Example
Effective verbal communication is essential in building strong relationships.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “By word of mouth” come from?
The origin of the phrase "By word of mouth" is unknown.
Is “By word of mouth” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "By word of mouth" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe how information, recommendations, or stories are shared among people through personal communication.
What tone does “By word of mouth” have?
"By word of mouth" conveys a neutral tone. It is a descriptive phrase that highlights the method of communication rather than expressing any specific emotion.
Can “By word of mouth” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "By word of mouth" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely understood expression that describes a common way of spreading information. You can use it in casual conversations, as well as in professional contexts such as presentations or written reports.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The news about the event spread quickly "by word of mouth".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I heard it "by word of mouth"!' to imply that the information was shared verbally.
