Express (verb) — to show or communicate feelings, ideas, or opinions through words, looks, or actions: "She found it difficult to express her feelings in English."
Express (adjective) — operating at high speed or designed for rapid delivery: "We sent the parcel by express post."
Express (noun) — a fast train or delivery service that makes few or no intermediate stops: "The 08:15 express to London Paddington departs from platform 3."
What Does Express Mean?
Express comes from the Latin exprimere — literally "to press out" — formed from ex- (out) and premere (to press). The image is vivid: when you express a feeling, you squeeze it out from inside and give it a shape in the world through words or gesture. The word entered Middle English in the 14th century via Old French expresser.
In modern British English, express is one of the most versatile words in the language. The verb is central to any discussion of communication, emotions, and opinions — you will meet it in academic writing ("the author expresses doubt"), everyday conversation ("I can't express how grateful I am"), and professional contexts ("please express your concerns in writing"). The adjective and noun senses, meaning fast and direct, are equally widespread: express train, express delivery, express lane.
A key usage note: as a verb, express is typically followed by a noun object (express gratitude, express an opinion) or by a reflexive pronoun (express yourself). It is not normally followed by a that-clause in formal writing. Compare express with convey (which often implies subtlety — conveying meaning without stating it directly) and communicate (broader, covering any transmission of information).
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level & usage note |
|---|---|
| She found it difficult to express her feelings in English. | A2 — express + object noun (feelings) |
| He took the express to Manchester so he could be there by noon. | B1 — express as noun (fast train) |
| The company offers express delivery if you order before midday. | B1 — express as adjective (rapid service) |
| The report expressed serious concerns about the safety of the new drug. | B2 — formal register, express + abstract noun |
| It is through painting that she most fully expresses herself and makes sense of her experiences. | C1 — express yourself (reflexive), complex clause structure |
Collocations
Learning words in fixed combinations (collocations) is far more effective than learning them in isolation. Here are the most important collocations for express:
| Collocation | Example in context |
|---|---|
| express gratitude | She wrote a card to express her gratitude to the team. |
| express concern | Several parents expressed concern about the new policy. |
| express an opinion | Everyone should feel free to express an opinion in class. |
| express interest | Three companies have expressed interest in buying the site. |
| express doubt | The professor expressed doubt about the reliability of the data. |
| express yourself | Writing poetry is a powerful way to express yourself. |
| express train | We caught the express train and arrived an hour early. |
| express delivery | Choose express delivery to receive your order by tomorrow morning. |
| express lane | The motorway now has a dedicated express lane for buses. |
| express permission | You may not reproduce this material without the express permission of the publisher. |
Usage Notes
Three Ways to Use Express
1. Verb + noun object: express gratitude / concern / an opinion / feelings / doubt / interest
2. Verb + reflexive pronoun: express yourself — meaning to communicate your thoughts and feelings freely in general.
3. Adjective / noun (speed): express train / express delivery / express service — describing something fast and direct.
Note: express also appears as an adjective meaning "explicit and specific" in legal and formal contexts: "express permission", "express instructions". This is a distinct use — be careful not to confuse it with the speed meaning.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
She expressed that she was happy to help.
She expressed her happiness at being able to help. (express + noun, not that-clause)
He expressed himself his opinion very clearly.
He expressed his opinion very clearly. (express + object or express yourself — not both)
We need to express the deadline — can you come tomorrow?
We need to meet the deadline urgently — can you come tomorrow? (express meaning "fast" is an adjective/noun, not a verb here)