The definitions of the noun elocution are (1) a style or manner of speaking, and (2) the art of public speaking. Locution means a word or phrase. Locution is so often used in place of elocution that many dictionaries have given up and listed elocution‘s definitions under locution. But careful writers keep the words separate.
Locution is sometimes overformal for word or phrase, but it’s useful when closely examining an interesting utterance or figure of speech.
A third, rarer word, allocution, means a formal or authoritative speech or address.
Examples
These writers use elocution well:
When she heard me developing a broad Yorkshire accent, I was sent off to elocution lessons. [Daily Mail]
In dubbed versions, no one is going to fuss about Vin Diesel or co-star Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson’s elocution. [Globe and Mail]
Sam Bryant has the lead role of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who is given elocution lessons so she can present herself “as a real lady” … [Marlborough Express]
These writers use locution well:
… perhaps the oddest locution Gingrich used was when he called the plan “right-wing social engineering,” on par with “left-wing social engineering.” [CNN International]
Romney repeated the “we’re going to hang him” locution once more … [The Atlantic]
Blame monogamy for that awkward locution–there’s no plural for “Mrs.” [Wall Street Journal]
