send a text

Meaning

This phrase means to write and transmit a short digital message (SMS or through apps like WhatsApp) to someone using a mobile phone. It is a highly common, everyday way to talk about digital communication.

Examples

• Let me send a text to my mom to tell her I'll be late.

  Let me send a text to my mom to tell her I'll be late.

• I'll send you a text with the address as soon as I get there.

  I'll send you a text with the address as soon as I get there.

• He didn't call, he just decided to send a text instead.

  He didn't call, he just decided to send a text instead.

• Can you send a text to the group chat and ask who is coming?

  Can you send a text to the group chat and ask who is coming?

• I forgot to send a text to confirm our plans for tonight.

  I forgot to send a text to confirm our plans for tonight.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will write a text to you later.

  ✓ I will send you a text later.

  While 'write a text' is grammatically possible, native speakers almost always say 'send a text' or simply 'text you' when referring to the action of messaging someone.

• ✗ She sent to me a text yesterday.

  ✓ She sent me a text yesterday.

  Do not put 'to' directly after the verb 'sent' when followed by the indirect object. It should be 'sent me a text' or 'sent a text to me'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Just ___ when you get home so I know you're safe.

  💡 message me on your phone

  Show answer

  send a text

• I need to ___ to my boss about the meeting schedule.

  💡 dispatch a digital message

  Show answer

  send a text