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Verbal-linguistic intelligence is the ability to understand and use language to communicate, reason, and explain concepts.
People with strong verbal-linguistic intelligence are skilled at reading, writing, listening, and communicating. They also enjoy activities like reading books, writing stories, or solving word problems.
Is verbal-linguistic intelligence universal?
What percentage of the world’s population is fluent in verbal-linguistic intelligence? How to improve it and is it even possibly to become more verbally intelligent?
My updated verbal-linguistic intelligence statistics guide for 2025 has everything you need to know.
Use this 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-Linguistic Intelligence Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year| Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year (Detailed Info)
Table of Contents
Key Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year
Key Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025
- People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence have 50% more activity in their left temporal lobe when engaging in language tasks compared to those with average linguistic abilities. (Source)
- 15-20% of the general population shows notably high verbal-linguistic intelligence according to standard intelligence assessments. And around 12% of the population shows significantly above-average abilities in both verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. (Source)
- Children who are read to for at least 20 minutes daily show a 23% increase in verbal ability by age 5 compared to children who aren’t read to. (Source)
- Multilingual individuals score 10-15% higher on verbal-linguistic intelligence tests than monolingual individuals. (Source)
- Early exposure to rich vocabulary before age 3 correlates with a 30% larger vocabulary by first grade. (Source)
- Students with high verbal-linguistic intelligence are 40% more likely to excel in creative writing tasks. (Source)
- The average adult vocabulary contains about 20,000-35,000 words, whereas people with high verbal-linguistic intelligence often know up to 50% more words and phrases. (Source)
- People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence typically learn about 30% more words per year than those with average abilities. (Source)
- Women typically score 3-5% higher on verbal-linguistic intelligence tests than men. (Source)
- People with strong verbal-linguistic intelligence remember approximately 30% more of what they read compared to those with average abilities. (Source)
- About 25% of gifted children show exceptional verbal-linguistic intelligence as their primary form of giftedness. (Source)
- Professional writers and journalists typically score in the top 10% for verbal-linguistic intelligence. (Source)
- Reading speed is about 30% faster in individuals with high verbal-linguistic intelligence. (Source)
- Brain scans show that people with high verbal-linguistic intelligence use approximately 20% more neural pathways when processing language. (Source)
- Students with strong verbal-linguistic intelligence are 45% more likely to learn a second language successfully. (Source)
- Verbal memory capacity is typically 25-35% higher in individuals with strong linguistic intelligence. (Source)
- People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence process spoken information about 40% faster than average. (Source)
- Children with high verbal-linguistic intelligence typically begin speaking about 2-3 months earlier than their peers. (Source)
- Those with strong verbal-linguistic intelligence are 60% more likely to pursue careers in writing, teaching, or public speaking. (Source)
- People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence show 25% better performance in detecting subtle differences in word meanings. (Source)
- Individuals with strong verbal-linguistic intelligence typically score 20% higher on reading comprehension tests. (Source)
- About 8% of the population demonstrates exceptional storytelling abilities. Storytelling ability is a key indicator of verbal-linguistic intelligence. (Source)
- The ability to use metaphors and analogies is roughly 35% stronger in those with high verbal-linguistic intelligence. (Source)
- Verbal-linguistic intelligence tends to peak between ages 30-40, which is about 5-10 years later than other cognitive abilities. (Source)
- Verbal-linguistic intelligence begins to noticeably decline in later adulthood, particularly in the mid-to-late 70s and beyond. (Source)
Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year (Detailed Info)
How Many People in the General Population Show High Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence?
15-20% of the general population shows notably high verbal-linguistic intelligence according to standard intelligence assessments. (Source)
And around 12% of the population shows significantly above-average abilities in both verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. (Source)
What Impact Does Daily Reading to Children Have on Their Verbal Ability?
Children who are read to for at least 20 minutes daily show a 23% increase in verbal ability by age 5 compared to those who aren’t read to. (Source)
Also, children who’re read to early on begin speaking about 2-3 months earlier than their peers. (Source)
Another interesting stat is that roughly 25% of gifted children show exceptional verbal-linguistic intelligence as their primary form of giftedness. (Source)
Do Multilingual People Score Higher or Lower on Verbal Intelligence Tests?
Multilingual individuals score approximately 10-15% higher on verbal-linguistic intelligence tests than monolingual individuals. (Source)
Also, early exposure to rich vocabulary from different languages and before age 3 strongly correlates with a 30% larger vocabulary by first grade. (Source)
And the vocabulary difference grows as children gradually turn into adults. The average adult vocabulary contains about 20,000-35,000 words, while those with high verbal-linguistic intelligence often know 50% more words and phrases. (Source)
The difference increases with age because people with high verbal-linguistic intelligence typically learn about 30% more words per year than those with average linguistic abilities. (Source)
Are Linguistically Intelligent People More or Less Likely to Excel in Creative Writing?
People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence are 40% more likely to excel in creative writing tasks. Source)
A recent study showed that the ability to use metaphors and analogies is approximately 35% stronger in those with exceptionally high verbal-linguistic intelligence. (Source)
Professional writers and journalists typically score in the top 10% for verbal-linguistic intelligence. (Source)
As you might imagine people with strong verbal-linguistic intelligence are also very adept at reading and learning by reading. They remember approximately 30% more of what they read compared to those with average abilities, and their reading speed is about 30% faster compared to general population. (Source)
A recent survey (I link to it in the footer of this page) shows that individuals with strong verbal-linguistic intelligence typically score 20% higher on reading comprehension tests compared to people with normal linguistic abilities. (Source)
What is the Gender Difference in Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence Test Scores?
Women typically score 3-5% higher on verbal-linguistic intelligence tests than men.
This difference in women’s favor is consistent across tests but also so small as to be insignificant in real world situations. (Source)
When Does Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence Peak Compared to Other Cognitive Abilities?
Verbal-linguistic intelligence peaks between ages 30-40, which is about 5-10 years later than other types of intelligences. (Source)
For example, visual-spatial intelligence peaks around age 30 and then gradually declines by about 1% per year afterward. (Source)
Note: verbal-linguistic intelligence begins to noticeably decline in later adulthood, particularly in the mid-to-late 70s and beyond. (Source)
It’s the time cognitive functions related to language processing, memory, and retrieval start to weaken with age and this impacts vocabulary usage, comprehension, and speech fluency.
What’s the Brain Activity Like in People With Above Average Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence?
People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence typically have 50% more activity in their left temporal lobe when engaging in language tasks compared to those with average linguistic abilities. (Source)
Brain scans show people with high verbal-linguistic intelligence use roughly 20% more neural pathways when processing language. (Source)
A recent study showed that people with high verbal-linguistic intelligence process spoken information about 40% faster than average. Source) In linguistically intelligent individuals verbal memory capacity is typically 25-35% higher than in people with average verbal skills. (Source)
Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025 (FAQ)
What is Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence (Definition and Meaning)?
Definition: verbal-linguistic intelligence is the ability to understand and use language to communicate, reason, and explain concepts.
People with strong verbal-linguistic intelligence are often skilled at reading, writing, listening, and communicating. They also enjoy activities like reading books, writing stories and solving word problems.
Verbal-linguistic intelligence is a concept within Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences where some people acquire information best by listening to it.
According to Howard Gardner’s model, other intelligences besides verbal-linguistic are:
- Body-Kinesthetic;
- Interpersonal;
- Naturalistic;
- Musical;
- Intrapersonal;
- Visual-spatial.
- Logical-mathematical;
Emotional intelligence is also important, but isn’t a part of core 8 types of intelligences.
What are the Characteristics of Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence?
Some characteristics of verbal linguistic intelligence include:
Communication. People with verbal linguistic intelligence are skilled at written and oral communication. They’re good at explaining things aurally and are often persuasive speakers who can change your opinion as they wish.
Memory. Linguistically-intelligent individuals have a good memory for written and spoken information. They also often have a fluent memory for specific data in words, such as names and numbers.
Language. Verbally-intelligent individuals have a strong command of the language and are able to understand and manipulate syntax. They enjoy learning foreign languages and most polyglots are also masters of verbal intelligence.
Creativity. They enjoy creative writing and inventing humorous stories. They like playing with language through puns, jokes, and rhymes. They enjoy reading, writing, debating, and word games.
Specific thought patterns. Their thought patterns may be verbal rather than pictures. This is opposite of people with high visual intelligence and visual learners who prefer to think in pictures, diagrams and maps instead of words.
To visual learners words are bland, but to verbally-intelligent people they’re everything.
How to Improve and Develop Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence?
To improve your verbal-linguistic intelligence, focus on activities that involve reading extensively, writing regularly, engaging in conversations, playing word games, listening to podcasts, and participating in public speaking or debates.
These are the same ways your child develops verbal intelligence, and the sooner you start, the better the results will be.
It has also recently be found that exposure to music also drastically increases verbal intelligence of children.
What are Some Test for Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence?
Tests for verbal-linguistic intelligence typically include tasks that assess vocabulary size, reading comprehension, grammar skills, writing ability, and fluency in generating words within specific categories (semantic fluency).
Here’s an example test for determining verbal-linguistic intelligence score.
What are Some Famous People and Celebrities With Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence?
Some famous people often cited as having high verbal-linguistic intelligence include:
- William Shakespeare;
- Abraham Lincoln;
- Martin Luther King Jr;
- J.K. Rowling;
- Maya Angelou;
- Charles Dickens;
- T.S. Eliot;
- Winston Churchill;
- Emily Dickinson;
- Tom Hiddleston;
- etc
All of these historical individual showcased exceptional abilities in writing, speaking, and manipulating language effectively.
After all, you can’t become a world-renown children’s author (J.K. Rowling) or the most translated poet in history (Shakespeare) without being absurdly linguistically intelligent.
What are the Best Jobs for People With High Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence Careers?
The best jobs for people with high verbal intelligence are:
- journalist;
- writer;
- teacher;
- lawyer;
- editor
- copywriter;
- translator;
- speech-language pathologist;
- poet;
- politician;
- broadcaster;
- etc.
People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence are best suited for careers that involve strong communication skills.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence?
The advantages of verbal intelligence are:
- Enhanced Communication– strong verbal intelligence allows individuals to express themselves clearly and concisely, enabling effective communication in various contexts.
- Strong Reading and Writing Skills– individuals with high verbal intelligence excel at reading comprehension, writing, and understanding complex texts.
- Improved Learning and Retention– verbal intelligence facilitates the ability to learn and retain information presented in a verbal format, such as lectures or discussions.
- Better Problem-Solving Skills– strong verbal skills help individuals articulate problems, analyze information, and find solutions through logical reasoning.
- Enhanced Critical Thinking– verbal intelligence enables individuals to critically evaluate information, identify biases, and form well-reasoned arguments.
This list of verbal intelligence advantages isn’t exhaustive.
The disadvantages of verbal intelligence are:
- Potential for Miscommunication– verbal communication can be open to misinterpretation, especially when tone, context, and nonverbal cues are not considered.
- Limited Accessibility– verbal communication can be inaccessible to individuals with language barriers or those who are not fluent in the language being used.
- Lack of Documentation– verbal communication, unlike written communication, lacks a permanent record, which can lead to misunderstandings or disputes.
- Narrow Focus– verbal intelligence tests doesn’t provide a comprehensive view of an individual’s overall intelligence, as they primarily assess language-based skills.
- Cultural Bias– some verbal intelligence tests favor individuals from specific cultural or linguistic backgrounds, potentially disadvantaging others.
- Difficulty with Non-Verbal Tasks– individuals with strong verbal intelligence struggle with tasks that require visual or spatial reasoning, or those that do not rely heavily on language.
This list of verbal intelligence disadvantages isn’t exhaustive.
What are Some Verbal Intelligence Examples and Activities?
Verbal intelligence examples and activities are:
- Reading:
- Creative writing;
- Journaling;
- Learning a new language;
- Public speaking;
- Listening;
- Discussions;
- Word games;
- Rhymes and puns;
- Storytelling;
- Listening to stories;
- Debates;
- Oral presentations;
- Reflective diaries.
Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025 (Conclusion)
My updated guide for 2025 lists the best and latest statistics, facts and trends about verbal-linguistic intelligence and how to best take advantage of it if you’re someone who likes to listen to information to absorb it better.
References:
- What Is Verbal Linguistic Intelligence?- https://www.mentalup.co/blog/what-is-linguistic-intelligence-how-to-improve-verbal-intelligence
- Verbal intelligence- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbal_intelligence
- A Comprehensive Guide to Verbal Linguistic Intelligence- https://www.verywellmind.com/verbal-linguistic-intelligence-8643191
- Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence: Meaning, Characteristics and Activities to Develop It- https://www.learningbp.com/verbal-linguistic-intelligence-definition-characteristics-activities/
- “Word Smarts”: Understanding Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence in Students- https://www.connectionsacademy.com/support/resources/article/word-smarts-why-students-need-verbal-linguistic-intelligence-and-more/
- Linguistic Intelligence | Definition, Characteristics & Examples- https://study.com/learn/lesson/linguistic-intelligence-concept-examples-what-is-linguistic-intelligence.html
- Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence- https://www.russellrowe.com/multiple-intelligences/verbal-linguistic.pdf
- Multiple Intelligences, Resources- The Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence- https://usacademictriathlon.com/2016/02/02/the-verballinguistic-intelligence/
- Linguistic Career Options: Multiple Intelligences- https://www.familyeducation.com/teens/values-responsibilities/jobs-money/linguistic-possible-careers
- Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence- https://www.cct.umb.edu/Multiple%20Intelligences%20Howard%20Garner%20Verbal%20Intelligence.html
- The Actualization of Literary Learning Model Based on Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence- https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1160658.pdf
- What is Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence?- https://growwithuslearning.com/what-is-linguistic-verbal-intelligence/
- Which are the signs of a high verbal/linguistic intelligence?- https://www.quora.com/Which-are-the-signs-of-a-high-verbal-linguistic-intelligence
- Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence- https://personalitymax.com/multiple-intelligences/verbal-linguistic/
- Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences- https://www.verywellmind.com/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences-2795161
- Linguistic Intelligence- https://www.thoughtco.com/linguistic-intelligence-8093
- Howard Gardners Multiple Intelligences https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~richarm2/Gardners%20Multiple%20Intelligences.htm
- Understanding Linguistic Intelligence- https://www.multiplenatures.com/insight-posts/linguistic-intelligence
- Linguistic Intelligence: What to Know & How to Develop It- https://blog.mindvalley.com/linguistic-intelligence/
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.