direct message

Meaning

A 'direct message' (often abbreviated as 'DM') is a private message sent from one user to another on a social media platform. Unlike public comments or posts, only the sender and the recipient can see this communication. It can be used as both a noun and a verb.

Examples

• If you want the link to the website, just send me a direct message.

  If you want the link to the website, just send me a direct message.

• I received a direct message from an old high school friend yesterday.

  I received a direct message from an old high school friend yesterday.

• You can direct message me anytime if you have questions about the event.

  You can direct message me anytime if you have questions about the event.

• She doesn't check her direct messages very often, so try emailing her.

  She doesn't check her direct messages very often, so try emailing her.

• I'll send you a direct message with my phone number so we can coordinate.

  I'll send you a direct message with my phone number so we can coordinate.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will make you a direct message.

  ✓ I will send you a direct message.

  In English, we 'send' or 'write' a direct message; we do not use the verb 'make'.

• ✗ Can you direct message to me?

  ✓ Can you direct message me?

  When 'direct message' is used as a verb, it is transitive and does not require the preposition 'to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't post your address publicly; send it to me in a ___.

  💡 A private text on a social media platform.

  Show answer

  direct message

• I will ___ you the details as soon as I get them.

  💡 Use the expression as a verb meaning to send a private message.

  Show answer

  direct message