continue speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to encourage someone to keep talking or to resume their speech after a pause. Example: "After a brief interruption, the speaker was asked to continue speaking about the importance of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Warsame agreed to continue speaking and provided "productive" information, officials said.

The New York Times

Dagan seemed not to care so long as he could continue speaking out.

The New Yorker

You are so hard on Ruth Madoff's decision to continue speaking with Bernie despite Mark's wishes.

The New York Times

I will continue speaking in support of a federal shield law.

The New York Times

He found it easier to continue speaking in Hitch's drawl when the cameras weren't rolling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Excuse me, President Obama, you are the commander in chief," she yelled as the president tried to continue speaking.

The New York Times

But then he would look down again, shift his weight and continue speaking too softly to be intelligible.

The New York Times

Friends said that Ms. Watkins, who is not granting interviews, would also like to continue speaking on corporate reform.

The New York Times

It is very hard to continue speaking, like nothing strange has happened, but somehow I manage to keep going.

The New Yorker

He would continue speaking at forums sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry and would continue consulting for companies.

The New York Times - Health

"Yes," Mr. Clay replied with a sigh, "and you seem resolved to continue speaking until your audience arrives".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue speaking" when you want to emphasize the unbroken flow of speech, even after a pause or interruption. This is particularly useful in formal settings or when highlighting someone's persistence in communication.

Common error

Avoid replacing simpler options like "keep talking" with "continue speaking" in informal contexts. Using overly formal language can sound unnatural or stilted in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue speaking" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence structure. It indicates the act of prolonging or resuming speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "continue speaking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies prolonging or resuming speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in news and media sources, but also appears in wiki and science publications. While the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, simpler alternatives like "keep talking" may be more suitable for informal contexts. When using "continue speaking", consider the intended audience and the specific nuance you wish to convey to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep talking

Focuses on the act of sustained conversation rather than a formal continuation.

carry on speaking

Implies a sustained effort or determination to continue talking, often despite interruptions or difficulties.

proceed with speaking

Suggests a more formal or structured continuation of a speech or presentation.

resume speaking

Specifically indicates a return to speaking after a pause or interruption.

go on speaking

Emphasizes the uninterrupted continuation of speech, often implying a lengthy duration.

speak further

Suggests adding more information or detail to what has already been said.

elaborate further

Implies expanding on a previous point with more detail and explanation.

address further

Focuses on continuing to discuss a specific topic or issue.

develop the point

Highlights the act of expanding on a specific idea or argument.

pursue the discussion

Indicates an ongoing conversation or debate on a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I use "continue speaking" in a sentence?

You can use "continue speaking" to indicate the resumption of speech after an interruption. For example, "After the brief pause, the professor asked the student to continue speaking about their research."

What phrases are similar to "continue speaking"?

Similar phrases include "keep talking", "carry on speaking", and "resume speaking". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "continue speaking" instead of "keep talking"?

"Continue speaking" is generally more formal than "keep talking". Use "continue speaking" in formal settings, presentations, or when emphasizing a deliberate resumption of speech. "Keep talking" is suitable for casual conversations.

What's the difference between "continue speaking" and "continue discussing"?

"Continue speaking" refers specifically to the act of vocal communication, while "continue discussing" implies a broader conversation or exchange of ideas. You "continue speaking" when you want someone to proceed with their monologue, and you "continue discussing" when you want to pursue a dialogue.