To convey something is to communicate it to someone else. In writing, you can convey a fact directly, suggest a feeling through details, or signal urgency through the order of information. The word is usually followed by what you communicate, such as convey a warning or convey excitement.
See what different details convey
- Information. The west entrance closes at 6 p.m. The statement directly communicates a time and place.
- Feeling. He reread the invitation three times before setting it down. The action can suggest surprise or uncertainty.
- Urgency. Move your car by noon so crews can clear the street. The action and deadline come first.
Check what a reader will infer
Ask someone what they took from the message. If they inferred a different feeling or intention, examine which details led them there. A small change in diction or tone can change what a passage conveys.
