definitely speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitely speaking" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where someone is emphasizing certainty in their speech or opinion, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "When it comes to the importance of education, I am definitely speaking from personal experience."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There was an element of different styles, an element of different personalities coming to the fore, but we were definitely speaking all together".

The Guardian - Business

That's definitely speaking their language!

Huffington Post

Well, he was definitely speaking English then.

Huffington Post

"No one stopped me for a hug," says Squires. "Some people are definitely speaking to the government.

Huffington Post

"As a libertarian, I felt like he was definitely speaking to more of [our] concerns than we had seen in prior debates," Bier said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We definitely spoke.

The New York Times

It definitely speaks volumes for the strength of the British skeleton programme".

Independent

Ms. Steinem said, "I definitely speak first because after Flo I would have been an anticlimax".

The New York Times

"I definitely spoke to Roger Clemens about steroids just like a lot of other players, but what we didn't talk about was Roger Clemens using steroids," he said.

The New York Times

"But those words were definitely spoken when Billy told Hatteberg that it would be a very easy transition to first base".

The New York Times

With "Kaboom" Mr. Araki set out to make what he called "an old-school Gregg Araki movie," one that "really definitely speaks to its audience".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms for either "definitely" or "speaking" to enhance clarity and style based on the context.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "definitely speaking" as it can sound repetitive or unnatural in certain contexts. Opt for simpler, more direct expressions of certainty or conviction to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitely speaking" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the action of speaking. It emphasizes the speaker's conviction or certainty in what they are saying. The provided examples from Ludwig showcase this usage in various contexts. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase might sound awkward and proposes alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "definitely speaking" is grammatically acceptable but not frequently used, as suggested by Ludwig. It functions to add emphasis to a statement, conveying a strong sense of certainty or conviction. While its use isn't incorrect, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, as it can occasionally sound somewhat awkward. Ludwig provides various alternatives such as "certainly stating" or "absolutely asserting" that can enhance clarity and impact. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase conveys a neutral yet assertive tone, making it suitable when directness and clarity are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly stating

Replaces "definitely" with "certainly" and "speaking" with "stating", offering a slightly more formal tone.

absolutely asserting

Uses "absolutely" to intensify the certainty and "asserting" to emphasize the act of confidently declaring something.

emphatically saying

Focuses on the forceful manner of speaking, using "emphatically" to highlight the strength of the statement.

undoubtedly expressing

Emphasizes the lack of doubt in the expression, making the statement seem conclusive.

positively affirming

Highlights the positive and confident nature of the statement, suggesting a strong belief in its truth.

confidently conveying

Shifts focus to the confidence with which the information is being communicated, rather than the certainty of the information itself.

firmly declaring

Stresses the resolute and unwavering nature of the declaration, implying a strong stance.

decisively mentioning

Indicates that the mention was done with resolve, emphasizing the speaker's intention.

unquestionably communicating

Highlights that the communication is beyond doubt, suggesting a self-evident truth being shared.

assuredly articulating

Implies a sense of self-assurance in the way something is being articulated, rather than emphasizing the certainty of the statement itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "definitely speaking" to emphasize that you are conveying something with strong conviction or certainty. For example: "When it comes to the importance of mentorship, I am "definitely speaking" from personal experience".

What are some alternatives to "definitely speaking"?

Alternatives include "certainly stating", "absolutely asserting", or "emphatically saying". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "definitely speaking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "definitely speaking" is grammatically acceptable, but it is not a common or widely used phrase. It's usage is usually for adding emphasis or conviction to speech.

What's the difference between "definitely speaking" and "certainly speaking"?

Both "definitely speaking" and "certainly speaking" convey a sense of certainty. "Certainly speaking" might be perceived as slightly more formal, while "definitely speaking" adds a touch of emphasis, though both are valid options.