convey
B2 (Upper Intermediate)Neutral to Formal. Common in academic, business, and legal contexts. Less common in very casual conversation.
Definition
Meaning
To transport, carry, or transmit something from one place or person to another. It refers to the movement of physical objects, ideas, feelings, or information.
To communicate or express a thought, feeling, or idea so that it is understood by others; to transfer legal rights or ownership of property; to serve as a means of transmission for something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb often implies a deliberate or effective act of transmission. It can bridge the literal (physical transport) and figurative (communication) domains.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are virtually identical. Slight variations may occur in legal/property terminology (e.g., 'conveyancing' is a standard term in UK property law).
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries connotations of precision, formality, and intentional transfer.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English legal and administrative contexts due to the specific term 'conveyancing' for property transfer procedures.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
convey something to somebodyconvey that-clauseconvey something from A to Bconvey something (direct object)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Words cannot convey... (used to express that feelings are too strong for description)”
- “convey the wrong idea”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in logistics ('convey goods'), mergers ('convey assets'), and communication ('convey the new strategy to the team').
Academic
Common in discussions of communication theory, semantics ('how language conveys meaning'), and literature ('the imagery conveys a mood of despair').
Everyday
Used when discussing clear communication or feelings, e.g., 'I tried to convey my apologies.'
Technical
In engineering: 'A belt conveys materials.' In law: 'to convey title to a property.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The solicitor will convey the property to the new owners next week.
- His tone conveyed a great deal of scepticism.
- Pipes convey water from the reservoir to the city.
American English
- The attorney will convey the property to the new owners next week.
- Her smile conveyed genuine warmth.
- This belt conveyor conveys boxes to the loading dock.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No standard adverb form from 'convey'.
American English
- N/A - No standard adverb form from 'convey'.
adjective
British English
- The conveying pipe ruptured.
- N/A - 'conveying' is a participle, not a common adjective.
American English
- The conveying system is automated.
- N/A - 'conveying' is a participle, not a common adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The lorry conveys food to the shops.
- A smile can convey happiness.
- Please convey my thanks to your parents.
- The report conveys important information.
- The artist's work conveys a profound sense of loneliness.
- It is difficult to convey complex ideas in a simple email.
- The treaty conveys specific rights and obligations onto the signatory states.
- His speech subtly conveyed an implicit criticism of the government's policy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONVOY of trucks. A CONVOY CONVEYS supplies from one base to another. Both involve moving things from point A to point B.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS (that can be carried and transferred). COMMUNICATION IS A CONDUIT (a pipe through which meaning flows).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'конвейер' (which is 'conveyor belt').
- Do not confuse with 'convene' (собирать).
- The Russian verb 'передавать' covers many uses of 'convey', but 'convey' is more formal and precise.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He conveyed me his wishes.' (Correct: 'He conveyed his wishes TO me.').
- Overuse in informal contexts where 'say', 'tell', or 'show' would be more natural.
- Confusion with 'convoy' (noun, a group of vehicles).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'convey' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for both physical transport (e.g., 'conveying goods by ship') and abstract transmission (e.g., 'conveying an emotion'). The abstract sense is more frequent in modern usage.
'Say' focuses on the act of uttering words. 'Convey' focuses on the successful transmission and understanding of a message, feeling, or meaning, which can be done through words, actions, or art. It is more about the result than the method.
Generally, no. You convey a message TO someone, or convey someone FROM one place TO another (archaic/formal). The person is typically the recipient or the object being moved, not the thing being transmitted.
The main noun forms are 'conveyance' (the act or means of conveying, or a vehicle) and 'conveyancing' (the specific legal process of transferring property ownership).