Convey vs Send

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Convey

Top 3,000 (common)B2verb

Send

Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Most common: Send
 ConveySend
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/kənˈveɪ/","/kənˈveɪz/","/kənˈveɪd/","/kənˈveɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈveɪ/","/kənˈveɪz/","/kənˈveɪd/","/kənˈveɪɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/send/","/sendz/","/sent/","/ˈsendɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/send/","/sendz/","/sent/","/ˈsendɪŋ/"]/
MeaningTo communicate or express something.To make something go to a person or place.
ExampleShe used gestures to convey her feelings when words failed.Please send me the documents by the end of the day.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR levelB2A1
Part of speechverbverb
Collocationsclearly, perfectly, powerfully, can, could, try to, tosend a message, send an email, send regards, send information, send a package
Antonymsmiscommunicate, hide, obscurereceive, get
Common mistakesUsing 'convey' without an object (e.g., saying 'I convey' without specifying what)., Confusing it with 'conveyer' which refers to a type of belt., Mixing up the meaning with 'conveying' as in carrying physical items.Confusing 'send' with 'send out' which has a different usage., Incorrect word order in sentences like 'I send the email to you.', Using 'send' without an object, e.g., 'I will send.'
Usage notesUse 'convey' when you want to express an idea or feeling. It's appropriate in both spoken and written language, but might sound a bit formal in everyday conversation.Use 'send' when talking about delivering messages, packages, or information. It's suitable for formal and informal situations but may not be appropriate in academic contexts without a clear subject.

See it in real clips

Send

Frequently asked questions: Convey vs Send

What's the difference between Convey and Send?

Convey: To communicate or express something. Send: To make something go to a person or place.

Which is more common: Convey and Send?

Send is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Convey and Send?

Convey is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Convey and Send the same CEFR level?

Convey: B2, Send: A1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Convey and Send?

Convey: verb, Send: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Convey: She used gestures to convey her feelings when words failed. Send: Please send me the documents by the end of the day.

Can I use Convey and Send interchangeably?

Not always. Convey and Send are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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