as he spoke

USAGE SUMMARY

"as he spoke" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something happened at the same time a person was speaking. Example: "As he spoke, his voice grew louder and more passionate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He hissed as he spoke.

The New York Times - Sports

His voice trembled as he spoke.

The New York Times

Chiygoz grew more emphatic as he spoke.

The New Yorker

His voice broke as he spoke.

The New York Times

He struggled for breath as he spoke.

The New Yorker

As he spoke, another volunteer interrupted.

The New York Times

He gathered momentum as he spoke.

The New York Times

As he spoke, his cellphone rang.

The New York Times

His face was animated as he spoke.

The New York Times - Science

He was smiling as he spoke.

The New York Times - Sports

He smiled as he spoke.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as he spoke" to smoothly integrate actions or reactions that occur in direct relation to someone's speech, enhancing the narrative flow.

Common error

Avoid using "as he spoke" to describe events that are not directly linked to the act of speaking, ensure the action described is concurrent and related to the speech itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as he spoke" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the time or circumstance during which an action occurs. It provides temporal context, showing that something happened concurrently with the act of speaking, as demonstrated in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as he spoke" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to illustrate concurrent actions happening during someone's speech. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across varied contexts, particularly in News & Media. The phrase serves to provide temporal context, linking words with immediate actions or reactions. While adaptable across different registers, it's most effective when the described event is directly related to the act of speaking. Consider alternatives like "while he was talking" or "during his speech" for nuanced expressions, always ensuring relevance between the speech and the accompanying action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while he was talking

Focuses on the duration of the speech act.

during his speech

Highlights the time frame of his address.

as he was uttering

Emphasizes the action of voicing words.

with his words

Stresses the medium through which something occurs.

in the course of his address

Implies a formal speech or presentation.

simultaneous to his oration

Highlights the synchronicity with a formal speech.

concurrently speaking

Emphasizes the simultaneous nature of the speech and the action.

whilst giving his discourse

Suggests a formal or lengthy speech.

at the moment of his saying

Focuses on a specific instance of speaking.

during his communication

Highlights the act of conveying information.

FAQs

How can I use "as he spoke" in a sentence?

The phrase "as he spoke" is used to describe something happening at the same time someone is talking. For example, "As he spoke, the audience listened intently".

What are some alternatives to "as he spoke"?

Alternatives include "while he was talking", "during his speech", or "as he was uttering", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "while he spoke" instead of "as he spoke"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "as he spoke" often implies a more direct connection between the speech and the concurrent event, whereas "while he spoke" simply indicates simultaneous actions.

What's the difference between "as he spoke" and "when he spoke"?

"As he spoke" emphasizes the simultaneity of the speaking and another action or event. "When he spoke" focuses more on the moment the speech began or occurred, acting as a temporal marker.