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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
after having spoken
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "after having spoken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action (speaking) has been completed before another action takes place. Example: "After having spoken with the manager, I felt more confident about my decision."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
13 human-written examples
Writer says that Buckley wanted to demonstrate his concern over NYC after having spoken against federal aid.
News & Media
On Thursday, two high-ranking I.O.C. officials said they expected a change in policy after having spoken with Chinese authorities.
News & Media
"We're expecting him back sometime very soon after the new year," Supranowitz said by telephone after having spoken to Marbury.
News & Media
"Pete and Donna have the same voice," says Jess, after having spoken to both of them for about 20 minutes.
News & Media
Crispin Blunt faced deselection as recently 2013 after having spoken about his sexuality (he eventually won a postal ballot of party members).
News & Media
During the two-hour meeting, Mullah Omar and Mr. Ramslienen said he firmly believed it was indeed the Taliban founder he was meeting, after having spoken with him twice on the phone — reaffirmed a desire to seek talks.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
47 human-written examples
My ex and I, after not having spoken for several years, jumped for joy in the hallway of that court, weeping with relief.
News & Media
The word came after the Knicks had left the arena and long after Thomas had spoken to the news media.
News & Media
The state held its 2008 primary in February, also about a month after Iowa and New Hampshire had spoken.
But it is not so now, after he has spoken to another man.
News & Media
After everyone has spoken, we turn to our afternoon's work with meditation.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider if passive voice is more appropriate to emphasize what was said (e.g., "After the issue had been spoken about...")
Common error
Avoid using "after having spoken" when a simpler "after speaking" conveys the same meaning. Overusing perfect constructions can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted and less direct.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "after having spoken" functions as a temporal conjunction introducing a dependent clause. It indicates that the action of speaking precedes the action described in the main clause. Ludwig examples confirm its use in connecting events sequentially.
Frequent in
News & Media
54%
Science
30%
Wiki
16%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "after having spoken" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to establish a temporal sequence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is prevalent in news and media sources, as well as in scientific writing, implying a neutral to formal register. While correct, simpler alternatives like "after speaking" may often suffice, especially in less formal contexts. When writing, ensure you're emphasizing the completion of the speaking event if you choose this phrase. Furthermore, be mindful of overuse to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary complexity in your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
following a conversation
Replaces the complex verb phrase with a simpler, more direct construction.
after the discussion
Focuses on the discussion itself, rather than the act of speaking.
subsequent to speaking
Offers a more formal and somewhat less common alternative.
subsequent to the dialogue
Similar to "subsequent to speaking" but emphasizes an interactive exchange.
following the address
Suited for more formal speaking engagements like addresses or lectures.
post-speech
Uses a prefix to create a more concise, albeit slightly less formal, phrasing.
with the speech concluded
Highlights the completion of the speech act.
once the words were spoken
Emphasizes the finality of the speech event.
in the wake of the conversation
Suggests the conversation had some kind of impact or consequence.
upon speaking
Implies immediacy; the subsequent action happens very soon after speaking.
FAQs
Is "after having spoken" grammatically correct?
Yes, "after having spoken" is grammatically correct. It employs the perfect participle construction, indicating an action completed before another. However, ensure it adds value and clarity to your sentence rather than unnecessary complexity.
When should I use "after having spoken" instead of "after speaking"?
Use "after having spoken" when you specifically want to emphasize the completion of the speaking action before the subsequent event occurs. In many cases, "after speaking" is sufficient and more concise.
What are some alternatives to "after having spoken"?
You can use alternatives such as "following a conversation", "subsequent to speaking", or "after the discussion", depending on the context and desired level of formality.
Is "after having spoken" formal or informal?
While grammatically sound, "after having spoken" leans towards a more formal register. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives such as "after speaking" or "following the conversation" might be more appropriate.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested