Why do so many people confuse "verbal" and "oral"?

Question

Something that is "verbal" is expressed in words. It may be written or oral, but as long as it is in words, it is verbal.

Something that is "oral" is voiced, whether or not it is in words. A baby cries orally, but not necessarily verbally.

I hear these words misused all the time - perhaps it is a product of the media. However, there is one exception that most people seem to get right away - "Non-verbal Communication." This deals with body posture and gestures, which are by definition not expressed as words, and so is a PERFECT use of the word "verbal."

What are your thoughts?
[Please contribute something constructive. And of course you will be doing it "verbally," unless you can paste in a picture somehow. :o) ]

Don't even get me started on "lectern" vs. "podium," and their/there/they're. Grrrrrr.

Answer 1

don't forget you're and your

and like how about like using like like a million like times in like every sentence you like say?
like, you know what I'm saying?
like?

Answer 2

The words verbal and oral are listed as synonyms, it is up to the discretion of the person using them as to how they are expressed, which in some cases is incorrect.

Answer 3

Here's another "mistake" that is used 100% of the time. Why do they call it an "oral test" and not a "verbal test "?

Answer 4

Actually according to the dictionary "verbal" and "oral" are synonymous.

Answer 5

Actually, you are wrong. Oral means "uttered by the mouth or spoken in words". They both mean the same thing and your "definitions" are backwards, inconsistant, and confusing. So their, I mean they're, I mean there.....you go.

Answer 6

fpmsl.. all i can say is Ive never given anyone a verbal 's'xxxxxxx

Answer 7

Am I alone? I dont know anyone who is confused by this.

Answer 8

Thanks for educating me i will be careful when using the words