as it is spoken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it is spoken" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is expressed verbally, emphasizing the spoken form rather than a written or altered version. Example: "Please write down the dialogue as it is spoken in the play to capture the characters' true voices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The whole idea that he owns language as it is spoken in Dublin is a nonsense.

The Guardian - Books

There are differences in accent and, to a lesser extent, in vocabulary in Castilian as it is spoken in various regions of the country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But by omitting the "ne" in a negative sentence, or employing café slang, he merely uses French as it is spoken and texted.

The Economist

Another is signing exact English, which is using a type of sign language to depict English just as it is spoken.

The New York Times

A university English teacher, Mr. Li, who has never set foot outside North Korea, said he used American movies and books to encourage his students to learn English as it is spoken.

The New York Times

I was determined for so long not to use certain American expressions, because I came to the US with this Nigerian/British arrogance of believing English is as it is spoken in England.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Japanese was my first language as it was spoken at home, but English soon took over after I began attending a local school.

The New York Times

"I think that's a great demonstration of how each poem really bears the stamp of the language as it was spoken in that period," Kunitz said.

The New Yorker

In making the case for the language as it was spoken, the descriptivists did one great service: they encouraged studies of the vernacular.

The New Yorker

But it was time well spent; this is history as it was spoken at the time, and there is not a dull page.

The New York Times - Books

In those South London morality tales I tried to catch the word as it was spoken in real life and place it on the page.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it is spoken" to emphasize the difference between written and verbal communication, especially when capturing authentic dialogue or representing regional dialects.

Common error

Avoid using "as it is spoken" when you actually mean how something should be written. This phrase should highlight the spoken form, not its transcription.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it is spoken" functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the manner in which something is expressed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It often highlights the contrast between written and oral communication, focusing on authentic representation of speech.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it is spoken" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the spoken form of language, often in contrast to its written counterpart. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable. It appears most commonly in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. When using the phrase, ensure you are highlighting the nuances and authenticity of spoken language, rather than referring to written representation. Consider alternatives like "in its spoken form" or "verbally expressed" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its spoken form

Focuses on the form of the language rather than the act of speaking.

verbally expressed

Highlights the verbal expression of something.

in spoken language

Emphasizes that the language is used in speech.

orally communicated

Focuses on the communication aspect through speaking.

as uttered

Stresses the act of being said or pronounced.

in colloquial terms

Refers to informal, everyday language.

in vernacular usage

Indicates language specific to a region or group.

the way people talk

Simplifies the expression to everyday conversation.

in everyday speech

Highlights common, informal communication.

as conveyed through speech

Focuses on speech as the method of conveyance.

FAQs

How can I use "as it is spoken" in a sentence?

Use "as it is spoken" to emphasize the spoken form of language. For example, "The play aims to capture the dialect "as it is spoken" in the region".

What are some alternatives to "as it is spoken"?

Alternatives include "in its spoken form", "verbally expressed", or "in spoken language". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "as it is spoken" formal or informal?

"As it is spoken" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive or analytical writing than in casual conversation.

How does "as it is spoken" differ from "as it is written"?

"As it is spoken" refers to the verbal expression of language, while "as it is written" refers to the written form. Use "as it is spoken" when emphasizing the spoken aspect, such as dialect or natural conversation.