text message: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very HighInformal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “text message” mean?
A short written message sent electronically between mobile phones or other devices.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short written message sent electronically between mobile phones or other devices.
The act of sending such a message; the digital communication medium itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'text' as a verb is often used without 'message' ('I'll text you'). In the US, 'text message' is slightly more common as a noun phrase, but 'text' is dominant for both. The phrase 'send a text' is universal.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly more formal/conservative speakers may use 'SMS' (UK) or 'mobile message'.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties. 'Text' as a standalone noun/verb is more frequent than the full phrase 'text message'.
Grammar
How to Use “text message” in a Sentence
to send [someone] a text messageto text message [someone] [something]to receive a text message from [someone]a text message about/regarding/concerning [topic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “text message” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Just text me when you're on the train.
- He texted the details through last night.
American English
- Text me the code when you get it.
- She texted the group to cancel.
adjective
British English
- We have a text-message service for appointment reminders.
- He prefers text-message communication.
American English
- The school uses a text-message alert system.
- It was just a quick text-message exchange.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for quick updates, meeting reminders, or informal coordination ('I'll text message you the address').
Academic
Rare in formal writing. May appear in surveys or studies on communication habits.
Everyday
Extremely common for all personal communication, plans, and casual chats.
Technical
Refers to the SMS protocol or a specific data packet in telecommunication contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “text message”
- Incorrect: 'I messaged you a text.' (Redundant) Correct: 'I texted you.' or 'I sent you a text.'
- Incorrect verb form: 'She texted to me.' Correct: 'She texted me.'
- Spelling: 'textmessage' (should be two words or hyphenated as adjective 'text-message alert').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Text' is far more common in everyday speech for both the noun and verb. 'Text message' is slightly more formal or used for clarity.
Yes, but it's clunky ('I'll text message you'). The verb 'to text' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Historically, an SMS is the technical protocol for a 'text message'. Today, 'text message' is often used interchangeably for any short digital message, even via internet apps.
As a noun phrase, it's typically two words ('send a text message'). When used as a compound modifier before a noun, it is often hyphenated ('a text-message alert').
A short written message sent electronically between mobile phones or other devices.
Text message is usually informal, neutral in register.
Text message: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛkst ˌmɛsɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛkst ˌmɛsɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Read the room (not a text idiom, but contextually related)”
- “Drop a text (informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'text' as the written words and 'message' as the package it comes in. It's a 'message' made of 'text'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS SENDING OBJECTS (You 'send' and 'receive' messages). DIGITAL TEXT IS A PHYSICAL NOTE (You 'get' a text).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common and natural usage?