as we speak

USAGE SUMMARY

"as we speak" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is happening at the present moment. For example, "He is in the process of signing the contract as we speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Raising funds as we speak.

The New York Times

"Things are changing as we speak".

The New York Times

They're hardening these columns as we speak".

The New Yorker

"We're working on that as we speak".

The New York Times

I'm passing a gallstone as we speak.

The New York Times - Arts

It's hurting our economy as we speak.

The New York Times

We're gravitating to that as we speak".

The New York Times - Sports

MasterChef is crossing it as we speak.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"As we speak, they're using artillery, mortars.

The New York Times

"It's actually happening as we speak".

The New York Times

The trucks are offloading as we speak.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we speak" to create a sense of immediacy and urgency in your writing, making the reader feel like they are witnessing events unfold in real-time.

Common error

Avoid using "as we speak" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or melodramatic. Use it sparingly to maximize its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as we speak" is as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or state is occurring simultaneously with the act of speaking. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we speak" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize that something is happening concurrently with the act of speaking. Ludwig AI validates it as a correct and usable phrase. Its primary function is to create a sense of immediacy and relevance, making it a valuable tool for engaging readers or listeners. While frequently found in news and media, it's also applicable across various contexts, from formal business settings to informal conversations. Remember to use it judiciously to maximize its impact, avoiding overuse that can diminish its effectiveness. With 61 real-world examples, Ludwig showcases how "as we speak" effectively conveys the unfolding nature of events in real-time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even as we are talking

Very similar in meaning, but adds emphasis to the act of conversation itself.

at this very moment

Replaces the more conversational tone of "as we speak" with a slightly more formal expression.

at this instant

Similar to "at this very moment", but emphasizes the immediacy of the action.

right now

Offers a simpler, more direct way to indicate that something is happening immediately.

at the present time

Provides a slightly more formal and less emphatic alternative.

currently

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action or state.

at this point in time

A more verbose alternative that still conveys the sense of immediacy.

in real-time

Highlights that something is happening live and without delay.

while we are on the subject

Shifts the focus slightly to connect the ongoing action with the current topic of discussion.

in the meantime

Indicates that something is happening during the period of time under consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "as we speak" in a sentence?

You can use "as we speak" to emphasize that something is happening right now. For example, "The negotiations are ongoing "as we speak"."

What are some alternatives to "as we speak"?

Alternatives include "right now", "at this moment", or "currently". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "as we speak" formal or informal?

"As we speak" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards informal.

Is there a difference between "as we speak" and "while we are speaking"?

While similar, "as we speak" emphasizes the immediacy of an event happening at the same time as the conversation, while "while we are speaking" simply indicates simultaneity. The phrase "as we speak" adds a touch of urgency.