by speaking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by speaking about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or providing information through verbal communication. Example: "The author conveys his message effectively by speaking about the importance of empathy in his novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She avoids mudslinging by speaking about her father's hopes for the city.

The New York Times

By speaking about the unspeakable, do we ensure that it becomes a blueprint?

Stanford University

Zuckerman asked, "Is Friends of Abe best served by speaking about candidates or by speaking about ideas?" The sound engineer laughed.

The New Yorker

He starts by speaking about the "terrible tragedies" that have hit the UK recently.

The Guardian

Some say they are reluctant to buck the tidal wave of patriotism by speaking about peace.

The New York Times

During his acceptance speech, Einstein startled the audience by speaking about relativity instead of the photoelectric effect.

Britannica

Rabbi Funnye hopes to change that by speaking about his congregation at synagogues throughout Chicago and across the country.

The New York Times

In addition to the missing signatures, Clifford alleges that Cohen invalidated the deal by speaking about it publicly.

The New Yorker

It usually takes a while for those things to be recognized; you can shorten the process by speaking about values more spontaneously.

Harvard Business Review

Yet Mr. Safire suggests that Mr. Blumenthal has committed exactly that crime by speaking about the professional conduct and record of prosecutors who are investigating the President.

The New York Times

I want to close tonight by speaking about the first and most fundamental of all the tasks of government: to provide for the common defense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by speaking about", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being discussed. This phrase works best when the topic is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the surrounding text.

Common error

Avoid using "by speaking about" excessively in formal or academic writing. More concise alternatives like "by discussing" or "through analysis of" often provide a more polished and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by speaking about" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It indicates the means by which something is accomplished, specifically through verbal communication. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by speaking about" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of conveying information or discussing a topic through verbal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it may benefit from being replaced by more concise alternatives in formal writing. Knowing its function and purpose helps to use it effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by discussing

Focuses more on the act of exchanging ideas.

in talking about

More conversational and less formal.

when mentioning

Focuses specifically on the act of bringing something up.

by means of discussing

Emphasizes the method of communication.

through discourse on

Implies a more formal and structured discussion.

through commentary on

Suggests a more critical or analytical approach.

via conversation regarding

Emphasizes the medium of conversation.

by way of speaking of

A slightly more archaic or literary alternative.

by addressing the subject of

Highlights the act of tackling a specific topic.

in reference to

More succinct and suitable for formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "by speaking about" in a sentence?

You can use "by speaking about" to describe the act of conveying information or expressing ideas through speech. For example, "The author conveys his message effectively "by speaking about" the importance of empathy in his novel."

What are some alternatives to "by speaking about"?

Some alternatives include "by discussing", "in talking about", or "through discourse on". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "by speaking about"?

It's appropriate to use "by speaking about" when you want to emphasize the act of verbal communication regarding a particular topic. It is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal settings, although more formal options may be preferable in academic writing.

Is there a difference between "by speaking about" and "by talking about"?

While similar, "by speaking about" implies a slightly more structured or purposeful form of verbal communication than "by talking about", which can suggest a more casual or informal exchange.