Verbal/Linguistic Learning Style: Statistics, Facts and Trends Guide for 2025

A verbal learning style is a learning style where people prefer to learn through spoken and written words. People with a verbal learning style are also known as linguistic learners.

But, is verbal learning truly effective? And what percentage of the population consider themselves verbal learners?

My updated verbal learning statistics guide for 2025 has everything you need to know.

Use this jump link to quickly jump to the KEY STATS section.

All the references and resources I used in crafting my guide are listed at the bottom of the page.

Jump here: Key Verbal Learning Style Statistics, Facts and Trends| Verbal Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year (Detailed Info)

Key Verbal Learning Style Statistics, Facts and Trends

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Verbal Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year (Detailed Info)

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How do Verbal Learners Perform on Written Tests Compared to Visual or Kinesthetic Learners?

Verbal learners typically score 15-20% higher on written tests compared to visual or kinesthetic learners (Source)

Verbal learners also tend to score 18% higher on average in standardized vocabulary tests (note: verbal learners typically have a vocabulary 20% larger than the average person their age). (Source)

Verbal learners typically perform 22% better on essay questions compared to multiple-choice questions and they also score 25% higher on average in language-based subjects like literature and history. (Source)

Do Verbal Learners Prefer Reading Textbooks, Watching Video Lectures or Listening to Audio Lectures?

65% of verbal learners prefer reading textbooks over watching video lectures. (Source)

88% of linguistic learners find audio books to be an effective tool for learning. Especially for them given that studies show that on average verbal learners can recall 30% more details from a lecture (meaning something they heard) than visual learners. (Source)

How Much Time do Verbal Learners Spend on Reading Assignments Compared to Other Learners?

Verbal learners on average spend 40% more time on reading assignments than other types of learners. Reading is the main way linguistic learners acquire knowledge, so it’s no wonder they enjoy it so much. (Source)

Verbal learners also spend 25% more time on writing assignments than their peers. (Source)

Writing is often an outlet for linguistic learners and most of them will end up in a career where the bulk of the work is putting thoughts on paper, digital or physical.

Verbal learners are 60% more likely to pursue careers in writing, journalism, or law, which are all jobs that require extensive thinking, writing, and often public speaking on a daily basis. (Source)

That makes sense as verbal learners are 40% more likely to enjoy public speaking compared to other learning types. (Source)

Do Verbal Learners Prefer Taking Notes by Hand or Typing on a Computer?

70% of verbal learners prefer taking notes by hand rather than typing on a computer. Writing by hand helps with memorization and knowledge retention, not just for verbal learners but for anyone. I guess there’s something to that tactile feeling of holding a physical pen in your hand. (Source)

80% of verbal learners find that mnemonics and acronyms are very helpful to them for memorization and long term knowledge retention. (Source)

How Many Books do Verbal Learners Read per Year Compared to the National Average?

Verbal learners on average read 12 books per year, compared to the national average of 4 books per year. (Source)

Linguistic learners love to read for pleasure and it’s no secret. Reading is how they learn but also how they have fun. I know from my personal experience that I can spend an entire day with Brothers Karamazov and consider it a day well spent.

What Percentage of Verbal Learners Report Thinking in Words Rather Than Images?

90% of verbal learners report that they often think in words rather than images. (Source)

Furthermore, 75% of verbal learners prefer written instructions over visual diagrams and 82% of them report they prefer to explain concepts to others verbally rather than through demonstrations and visualizations of any kind. (Source)

What Percentage of Verbal Learners Report Talking to Themselves When Solving Problems?

70% of linguistic learners report that they often talk to themselves when solving problems. (Source)

Speaking to one self is often deemed a sign of mental instability, but it’s actually very common, especially among verbal learners. Audible self talk is called monologue, while silent self talk is called silent monologue.

70% of linguistic learners report that they often talk to themselves when solving problems. #statistics #facts #trends #nikolaroza #verballearning Share on X

What Percentage of Verbal Learners Prefer Group Study Sessions for Discussion?

65% of verbal learners report that they prefer group study sessions where they can discuss material. It seems that verbal learners have some character traits of social/interpersonal learners as the latter also thrive when learning in groups. (Source)

Verbal learners are 50% more likely to participate in debate clubs or teams, which again is a highly social activity. (Source)

Linguistic learners are also 2.5 times more likely to enjoy participating in class discussions. (Source)

How Quickly Can Verbal Learners Memorize a List of Words?

Verbal learners can memorize a big list of words 40% faster than learners from other learning styles. (Source)

In the same study (I link to it in the footer of the page) 80% of verbal learners reported that repeating information out loud helps them remember it better. (Source)

75% of verbal learners also reported that they often use analogies to understand and memorize new concepts faster. (Source)

How Likely are Verbal Learners to Pursue Careers in Teaching or Training?

Verbal learner students are 3 times more likely to pursue careers in teaching or training and they are also 2 times more likely to pursue advanced degrees in humanities subjects. (Source)

Approximately 30% of students are primarily verbal learners. (Source)

Verbal Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025 (FAQ)

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What Is Verbal Linguistic Learning Style (Definition and Meaning)?

Definition: verbal learning, also known as linguistic learning, is a learning style where people learn best through the written and spoken word.

What are Some Examples and Strategies of Verbal Learning Style?

Verbal learning style examples are learning from and thriving on activities like discussions, lectures, writing summaries, reading aloud, using mnemonic devices like rhymes and acronyms, and actively participating in debates or role-playing scenarios to solidify information.

Some of the verbal learning strategies include taking detailed notes, summarizing key points in writing and then repeating it verbally for better retention, explaining concepts to others so you understand it better, creating stories to remember information, and engaging in lively discussions and debates to process material effectively.

How to Improve and Enhance Your Verbal Learning Style?

You can improve and enhance your verbal learning style by focusing a lot on speaking, listening and writing.

You can discuss information you want to learn aloud. You can read it aloud. You can engage in debates, give lectures and public speeches, create stories or rhymes to memorize facts.

Essentially, you’ll want to use language as much as possible and in any way you can.

What Is Non-Verbal Learning Style and How Does It Differ from Verbal Learning?

A non-verbal learning style refers to a preference for learning through visual cues, patterns, and spatial information, essentially absorbing knowledge better when presented with pictures, diagrams, and demonstrations rather than words.

Visual learners and kinesthetic learners are two examples of non-verbal learners.

Whereas a verbal learning style indicates a stronger tendency to learn through spoken or written language, relying heavily on words and concepts to grasp information.

What Are the Key Characteristics of Verbal Learning Style?

Key characteristics of a verbal learning style include having a powerful memory for spoken and written words, a strong preference for learning through discussion and reading aloud, excellent listening skills and the ability to take good and helpful notes.

Verbal learners have a knack for understanding and using language effectively.

What Activities Are Particularly Effective for Verbal Linguistic Learners?

Activities particularly effective for verbal-linguistic learners include reading, creative writing, participating in debates, giving oral presentations, playing word games like Scrabble or crosswords, storytelling, role-playing, creating poems or stories, and engaging in discussions about current events.

Any activity that lets verbal learners use language through speaking, writing, and listening to learn is helpful to their education.

What Are the Advantages  of Verbal Learning Style?

• Strong recall– verbal learners have a strong memory for spoken information and what they read. They can often recall lectures verbatim and repeat information aloud to help them remember it.
• Strong reading and writing skills- linguistic learners are often gifted at reading and writing, and many go on to become professional writers.
• Good communication skills– verbal learners are often good listeners and have excellent verbal expression. They tend to do well in presentations, debates, and speeches.
• Enjoy word play– linguistic learners enjoy games that involve word play, such as Scrabble, Boggle, and crossword puzzles. They also tend to excel in arts such as poetry and writing.
• Reason through word problems– verbal learners are often able to reason their way through word problems in mathematics.

What Are the Disadvantages  of Verbal Learning Style?

• Visual material: verbal learners may have difficulty understanding abstract visual material, such as charts, graphs, and mind maps.
• Hands-on projects: linguistic learners may struggle with building, drawing, and other hands-on projects.
• Non-linguistic sounds: verbal learners may have difficulty recalling or understanding non-linguistic sounds.
• Math problems: linguistic learners may not find math problems as easy as words.
• Lecture-style teaching: verbal learners may find lecture-style teaching boring over time.
• Taking notes: linguistic/verbal learners may not be able to take notes in hands-on or laboratory settings.

Are Students Who Prefer Verbal Learning at an Advantage Compared to Others?

Students who prefer verbal learning have an advantage in certain situations, particularly in subjects that heavily rely on language and reading comprehension.

That said, there is no definitive “advantage” for verbal learners compared to other learning styles and in the end it all comes down to who wants it more and who’s ready to put in more work to make things happen.

Verbal Learning Style Vs Kinesthetic Learning Style? Which is Better?

Verbal learning style and kinesthetic learning style are two different learning styles. One is not better than the other.

While verbal/linguistic learners process information through spoken or written words, kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by doing and experiencing, and by moving their bodies a lot.

Both linguistic and kinesthetic learning style can be effective in different circumstances, and both can be combined for even greater results.

Verbal Learning Style Vs Auditory Learning Style? Which is Better?

Verbal learning style and auditory learning style are two different learning styles. One is not better than the other.

While verbal/linguistic learners learn through spoken or written words, auditory learners prefer to learn by listening to information, taking notes and using lots of audio aids (podcasts, lectures, interviews…) to help them learn.

Both linguistic and auditory learning style are effective in different circumstances, and both can be combined for even greater results, especially since verbal and auditory learning styles are quite similar as they both have a lot to do with spoken word.

Verbal Learning Style Vs Visual Learning Style? Which is Better?

Verbal learning style and visual learning style are two different types of learning. One is not better than the other.

While linguistic learners learn through words, visual learners prefer to learn with the help of visual cues like infographics, charts, graphs, images, vides, mind maps and more.

Both linguistic and visual learning style are effective in different circumstances, and both can be combined for even greater results.

Verbal Learning Style Vs Intrapersonal Learning Style? Which is Better?

Verbal learning style and intrapersonal learning style are two different types of learning. One is not better than the other.

While linguistic learners learn through words, intrapersonal learners like to learn alone from a variety of materials, including audio and visual aids. With solitary learners it’s not so much the teaching material they have to master, it’s more about doing it alone and independently.

Both linguistic and intrapersonal learning style are effective in different circumstances, and both can be combined for even greater results especially since solitary learners can benefit from listening to podcasts and audio files while walking alone, or meditating.

Verbal Learning Style Vs Interpersonal Learning Style? Which is Better?

Verbal learning style and interpersonal learning style are two different types of learning. One is not better than the other.

While linguistic learners learn through words, spoken or written, social/interpersonal learners learn in groups from a variety of materials, including visual and audio aids.

With social learners it’s not so much the material they have to master; it’s more about doing it in a group setting or as part of a bigger team where they can be social, help others and get helped in return.

Both linguistic and interpersonal learning style are effective in different circumstances, and both can be combined for even greater results, especially since verbal learners love to be social and be part of teams, debate clubs and work groups.

Verbal Learning Style Vs Logical Learning Style? Which is Better?

Verbal learning style and logical learning style are two different types of learning. One is not better than the other.

While linguistic learners learn through words, spoken or written, logical learners thrive on reasoning, identifying patterns and thinking systematically.

Both linguistic and logical learning style are effective in different circumstances, and both can be combined for even greater results.

What are Some Jobs Good for Verbal Learning Style Learners?

Jobs that are well-suited for verbal learning style learners include:

• teacher;
• lawyer;
• journalist;
• counselor;
• public speaker;
• politician;
• customer service representative;
• writer;
• translator;
• radio host;
• and any role that heavily relies on strong communication skills, listening comprehension, and the ability to express ideas clearly through speech and writing.

Verbal Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025 (Conclusion)

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My updated guide for 2025 lists the best and latest statistics, facts and trends about verbal learning and how to best take advantage of it if you to like to learn through spoken and written words.

I hope you enjoyed it because the guide is now over.

References:

• Classification of Visual and Non-visual Learners Using Electroencephalographic Alpha and Gamma Activities- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6513874/
• A statistical description of verbal learning.- https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1953-07640-001
• A statistical description of verbal learning- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02288914
• Effects of Visual and Verbal Learning Styles on Learning- https://www.auburn.edu/academic/cla/ilsrj/Journal%20Volumes/Fall%202007%20Vol%201%20PDFs/Visual%20Verbal%20Learning%20Styles.pdf
• Verbal-Visual Learning Styles Scale: Developing a Scale for Primary School Students- https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1294676.pdf
• Verbal Learning Style- https://www.time4learning.com/learning-styles/verbal-linguistic.html
• Predicting Verbal Learning and Memory Assessments of Older Adults Using Bayesian Hierarchical Models- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.855379/full
• Verbal Learning Style | Characteristics, Advantages & Examples- https://study.com/academy/lesson/verbal-linguistic-learning-style-characteristics-strategies.html
• Going Beyond Just Visual Vs. Verbal Learning- https://www.artsacad.net/going-beyond-just-visual-vs-verbal-learning/
• Normative data for the Brief Spanish-English Verbal Learning Test for representative and diverse Hispanics/Latinos: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)- https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/dad2.12260
• Verbal Learning Style as the Least Preferred Learning Style of Students in an Asian Country- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304495939_Verbal_Learning_Style_as_the_Least_Preferred_Learning_Style_of_Students_in_an_Asian_Country
• Learning Styles Series: The Verbal and Linguistic Learner- https://argoprep.com/blog/k8/learning-styles-series-the-verbal-and-linguistic-learner/
• Verbal Learner: Characteristics, Learning Strategies, & Activities- https://blog.bjupress.com/blog/2022/06/14/verbal-learner-characteristics-strategies-and-activities/
• How to Study Effectively If You are a Verbal Learner- https://rehoboth.wa.edu.au/study-effectively-verbal-learner/