Meaning & use
express
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To put a thought, feeling, or opinion into words, actions, or another visible form.
Grammar: Takes an object: express an opinion. You can also say express yourself, meaning show who you are or what you feel.
Patterns
- express something
- express something to someone
- express yourself
- express how/what …
She expressed her concern about the schedule to her manager.
Many students find it hard to express their ideas in a second language.
He expressed himself through painting rather than words.
verbtransitive
To show a particular quality or feeling through your face, voice, or behavior.
Grammar: Often used with abstract nouns like gratitude, sympathy, or interest: express gratitude.
Patterns
- express gratitude
- express sympathy
- express interest in something
The whole team expressed sympathy after her loss.
Please express my thanks to everyone who helped.
Several buyers have expressed interest in the property.
adjectivebefore a noun
Traveling or sent quickly, with few or no stops on the way.
Grammar: Used before a noun: an express train, express delivery. It is not usually used after a verb.
Patterns
- express train
- express delivery
- express service
We took the express train and arrived in two hours.
The store offers express delivery for an extra fee.
There is an express lane for people with no bags to check.
nouncountable
A fast train or bus that makes few stops, or a service that delivers something quickly.
Grammar: Countable: catch the express, send it by express. Often used with the or by.
Patterns
- catch the express
- take the express
- send something by express
The express to the city leaves every twenty minutes.
I sent the documents by express so they would arrive today.
We missed the last express and had to wait for a slow train.
Word forms
| third person singular | expresses |
|---|---|
| past tense | expressed |
| past participle | expressed |
| -ing form | expressing |
Common combinations
- express an opinion
- Everyone at the meeting was free to express an opinion.
- express concern
- Parents expressed concern about the new timetable.
- express yourself clearly
- Good writers learn to express themselves clearly.
- express delivery
- Express delivery costs more but saves a day.
- express train
- The express train skips all the small stations.
Synonyms and how they differ
- state
- More formal and factual; you state a fact or position, while you express a feeling or idea.
- convey
- Focuses on the message reaching the listener; it suits both words and gestures but sounds more formal.
- voice
- Suggests saying something you have been holding back, especially a complaint or doubt.
- show
- The general everyday word; it covers actions and appearances, while 'express' often suggests words or clear signals.
Opposites
Word family
- expression noun
- The act of expressing, or a word or phrase used in a particular way.
- expressive adjective
- Good at showing feelings clearly, as in an expressive face.
- expressly adverb
- In a clear and direct way, often in rules or instructions.
- expressionless adjective
- Showing no feeling at all, as in an expressionless stare.
Commonly confused: express or expresso? express or expressive?
express vs expresso
'Expresso' is a common misspelling of 'espresso', the strong coffee. It has nothing to do with the verb 'express'.
express vs expressive
'Expressive' is an adjective describing someone or something that shows feeling well; 'express' is mainly a verb.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
The verb 'express' takes an object ('her thanks') and can add 'to someone' after it. The word order in the second option is unnatural, the third is missing 'to', and the fourth changes the meaning to showing her personality.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “express”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.