Forward vs Transmit

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

Forward

Top 1,000 (very common) A2 adverb

Transmit

Top 2,000 (common) B2 verb

Most common: Forward

	Forward	Transmit
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/ˈfɔːwəd/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈfɔːrwərd/"]/	🇬🇧 //trænˈsmɪt// 🇺🇸 //trænˈsmɪt//
Meaning	To send something to a person or place.	To send something from one place to another.
Example	She decided to move forward with her plans despite the challenges.	The satellite will transmit data back to Earth.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	A2	B2
Part of speech	adverb	verb
Collocations	forward an email, forward a message, forward your request, forward information, forward your details	transmit signals, transmit data, transmit information, transmit a message, transmit power
Antonyms	backward, reverse	receive, detain
Common mistakes	Confused with 'foward' (spelling mistake), Using 'forward' in the wrong tense (e.g., saying 'I forward' instead of 'I will forward'), Misusing intransitively, as 'forward' usually needs an object	Confused with 'transmit' vs 'emit'., Using 'transmit' without an object., Mispronouncing the word.
Usage notes	Use 'forward' when you send emails or messages to someone else. It's appropriate in both professional and casual contexts, but be careful not to use it in overly formal writing.	Commonly used in technical contexts, such as electronics, communication, and medicine. Avoid in casual conversation.

See it in real clips

House Of Cards › S1 E1

and we are moving forward with it.

Agent Carter › S1 E1

Rose, forward all calls to the briefing room.

Game Of Thrones › S1 E1

Come forward, my dear.

House Of Cards › S1 E1

and we are moving forward with it.

Agent Carter › S1 E1

Rose, forward all calls to the briefing room.

Forward

If he's equipped to transmit every form of energy that can pulse.

Transmit

Frequently asked questions: Forward vs Transmit

What's the difference between Forward and Transmit?

Forward: To send something to a person or place. Transmit: To send something from one place to another.

Which is more common: Forward and Transmit?

Forward is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Forward and Transmit?

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

Are Forward and Transmit the same CEFR level?

Forward: A2, Transmit: B2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Forward and Transmit?

Forward: adverb, Transmit: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Forward: She decided to move forward with her plans despite the challenges. Transmit: The satellite will transmit data back to Earth.

Can I use Forward and Transmit interchangeably?

Not always. Forward and Transmit 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.