Send vs Convey: Identifying the Right Term for Your Context

When it comes to communication, choosing the right word can make all the difference. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “send” and “convey”. However, they have distinct meanings and it’s important to understand the difference in order to effectively communicate your message.

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. Both “send” and “convey” can be appropriate, but they have different nuances.

“Send” generally refers to the act of physically transmitting something, such as a message or package. It implies a one-way transfer of information from the sender to the recipient. For example, you might send an email to a colleague with a report attached.

“Convey”, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses a range of methods for communicating a message. It can refer to verbal or nonverbal communication, and it implies a two-way exchange between the sender and the recipient. For example, you might convey your appreciation to a coworker with a smile and a thank-you note.

Understanding the difference between these two words can help you choose the right one for your intended meaning and avoid confusion. In the rest of this article, we’ll explore some common scenarios where you might use “send” or “convey”, and provide tips for using each one effectively.

Define Send

Send is a verb that refers to the act of causing something to go or be taken to a particular destination or recipient. It is a general term that can be used to describe a wide range of actions, including physical delivery of an object or message, electronic transmission of data, or even the act of dispatching a person to a particular location.

Examples of how the term “send” can be used in different contexts:

• “I will send you an email with the details.” (referring to electronic transmission of data)
• “He sent a package to his sister in Australia.” (referring to physical delivery of an object)
• “The manager sent the employee to the conference in New York.” (referring to dispatching a person to a particular location)

Define Convey

Convey is a verb that refers to the act of communicating or expressing something, typically through words or gestures. Unlike “send,” which is focused on the act of physically moving something from one location to another, “convey” is more focused on the act of sharing information or ideas.

Examples of how the term “convey” can be used in different contexts:

• “The speaker was able to convey her message to the audience.” (referring to communicating or expressing an idea)
• “The painting conveys a sense of sadness.” (referring to expressing a feeling or emotion through art)
• “The gesture he made conveyed a sense of gratitude.” (referring to communicating a message through a physical action)

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, it’s important to use the right words to convey your message effectively. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “send” and “convey.” While they may seem similar, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can impact the clarity of your writing. In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Send” In A Sentence

The word “send” is often used to describe the act of transmitting or dispatching something to a particular destination. Here are some examples of how to use “send” in a sentence:

• I will send the package to you tomorrow.
• Can you send me the report by the end of the day?
• The company will send a representative to meet with us next week.

As you can see, “send” is typically used when there is a specific recipient or destination involved. It can also be used to describe the act of causing something to be transmitted or delivered, such as in the following examples:

• The storm will send waves crashing against the shore.
• The loud noise sent the birds flying away.

In these cases, “send” is used to describe the action of causing something to happen or move in a particular direction.

How To Use “Convey” In A Sentence

The word “convey” is often used to describe the act of communicating or expressing something in a particular way. Here are some examples of how to use “convey” in a sentence:

• She used body language to convey her message.
• The painting conveys a sense of sadness.
• The author’s words conveyed a feeling of hopelessness.

As you can see, “convey” is typically used when describing the act of expressing or communicating something, whether it be a message, emotion, or idea. It can also be used to describe the act of transporting something, but in a more abstract sense, such as in the following examples:

• The conveyor belt conveyed the products from one end of the factory to the other.
• The river conveys water from the mountains to the sea.

Here, “convey” is used to describe the act of transporting something, but in a way that emphasizes the process or method of transportation rather than the destination or recipient.

More Examples Of Send & Convey Used In Sentences

Understanding the nuances of send and convey can help you communicate more effectively in both written and spoken language. Here are some examples of how these words are used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Send” In A Sentence:

• She will send the package to you tomorrow.
• He sent an email to his colleagues about the upcoming meeting.
• The company will send a representative to discuss the proposal.
• Can you send me the report by the end of the day?
• The post office will send the letter to its destination.
• I need to send a reminder to my team about the deadline.
• The teacher will send the homework assignment to the students.
• He sent a text message to his friend to confirm their plans.
• The company will send a replacement product to the customer.
• She sent a thank-you note to the host after the party.

Examples Of Using “Convey” In A Sentence:

• The artist used colors to convey a sense of emotion in the painting.
• The presenter tried to convey the importance of the topic to the audience.
• It can be difficult to convey complex ideas in a simple way.
• The tone of voice can often convey more than the words themselves.
• The logo is designed to convey the values of the company.
• The author used metaphors to convey the theme of the story.
• The body language of the speaker conveyed a sense of confidence.
• The message was conveyed through various channels, including social media and email.
• The use of humor can help convey a lighthearted tone in a conversation.
• The movie was able to convey the character’s emotions without using any dialogue.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to communication, using the right words can make all the difference. While the words “send” and “convey” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings that can lead to confusion if not used correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Send” When “Convey” Is More Appropriate

One common mistake is using “send” when “convey” is more appropriate. While “send” generally refers to physically transporting something, “convey” refers to communicating a message or idea. For example:

• Incorrect: I sent my condolences to the family.
• Correct: I conveyed my condolences to the family.

Using “send” in this context suggests that the condolences were physically transported to the family, which is not the intended meaning.

Using “Convey” When “Send” Is More Appropriate

On the other hand, using “convey” when “send” is more appropriate can also lead to confusion. While “convey” implies a message or idea being communicated, “send” can refer to both physical and non-physical forms of communication. For example:

• Incorrect: Can you convey me an email?
• Correct: Can you send me an email?

“Convey” in this context suggests that the email is being communicated in person, which is not the intended meaning.

Offering Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to consider the context and intended meaning of your communication. Here are some tips:

• Think about whether you are referring to physically transporting something or communicating a message or idea.
• Consider using synonyms or alternative phrases if you are unsure about which word to use.
• Proofread your communication to ensure that the intended meaning is clear.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion in your communication.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “send” and “convey,” context is key. Both words have similar meanings, but the choice between them can depend on the specific context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a closer look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “send” and “convey” might change:

Business Communication

In a business context, the word “send” is often used to refer to the act of transmitting information or documents. For example, you might say “I will send you the report by email.” On the other hand, the word “convey” is often used to refer to the act of communicating a message or idea. For example, you might say “I want to convey to you the importance of meeting the deadline.”

Legal Writing

In legal writing, the word “send” is often used to refer to the act of delivering a legal document or notice. For example, you might say “The plaintiff’s attorney will send a subpoena to the witness.” On the other hand, the word “convey” is often used to refer to the act of transferring property or rights. For example, you might say “The seller will convey the property to the buyer upon receipt of payment.”

Creative Writing

In creative writing, the choice between “send” and “convey” can depend on the tone and style of the piece. The word “send” is often used in a more straightforward manner, while the word “convey” can be used to add a more nuanced or poetic element to the writing. For example, you might say “She sent a letter to her lover,” or “She conveyed her love through the words on the page.”

As you can see, the choice between “send” and “convey” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word and the different contexts in which they might be used, you can choose the right word to effectively communicate your message.

Exceptions To The Rules

Identifying Exceptions

While the rules for using send and convey are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. These exceptions occur when the context of the sentence changes or when certain nuances are involved.

Explaining Exceptions

One exception to the rules is when the verb “convey” is used to mean “to communicate.” In this case, it is often used in the context of expressing feelings or ideas. For example:

• “She conveyed her love for him through her actions.”
• “The painting conveys a sense of serenity.”

Another exception is when the verb “send” is used in the context of transportation or delivery. In this case, it is often used to refer to the physical movement of something from one place to another. For example:

• “I need to send this package to my friend in New York.”
• “The company sent the product to the wrong address.”

Finally, there are cases where both “send” and “convey” can be used interchangeably. This occurs when the context of the sentence allows for either verb to be used without changing the meaning. For example:

• “He sent a message to his boss about the project.”
• “He conveyed a message to his boss about the project.”

It is important to note that these exceptions are not always clear-cut and may depend on the specific context of the sentence.

Practice Exercises

Learning how to use “send” and “convey” correctly can be challenging. However, with practice, you can master the art of using these verbs effectively. Here are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of “send” and “convey” in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Complete the following sentences with either “send” or “convey”:

1. She will ________ the package to her sister tomorrow.
2. The speaker tried to ________ his message to the audience.
3. Can you ________ me the document by email?
4. The artist’s painting ________ a sense of peace and tranquility.
5. The CEO will ________ a memo to all employees.

Answer Key:

• send
• convey
• send
• convey
• send

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct verb to complete the following sentences:

1. The company will ________ a press release tomorrow.

• a. send
• b. convey
• c. both a and b

Can you ________ me the report by fax?

• a. send
• b. convey
• c. both a and b

The actor’s performance ________ a sense of vulnerability and sadness.

• a. send
• b. convey
• c. both a and b

Answer Key:

1. c
2. a
3. b

Exercise 3: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using either “send” or “convey” that demonstrates your understanding of the difference between the two verbs.

Example: The artist’s painting conveyed a sense of peace and tranquility.

Answer Key: Your sentence may vary.

By completing these practice exercises, you can improve your ability to use “send” and “convey” correctly in your writing and speaking. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of each verb to choose the most appropriate one for your sentence.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “send” and “convey,” it is clear that these two verbs have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts.

Key Takeaways

• “Send” refers to physically transporting something from one place to another, while “convey” refers to communicating a message or idea.
• When discussing language use, it is important to consider the connotations and nuances of different words.
• Using the correct verb can significantly impact the clarity and effectiveness of communication.

Overall, it is essential to have a strong understanding of grammar and language use in order to effectively convey ideas and messages. By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can become more confident and successful communicators.