directly speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directly speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a more direct statement or opinion. For example, "Directly speaking, I believe this is the best solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Reeve has begun to confront scientists directly, speaking at major conferences about his concerns.

The New Yorker

"The new cinema is directly speaking to an urban middle class," he goes on.

The New York Times

Users can place calls by directly speaking into the watch, just like Dick Tracy.

The Guardian - Tech

Democrats and outside analysts said an extraordinary level of party unity against Mr. Bush had prompted the outside groups to toe Mr. Kerry's line, or at least to try their best without directly speaking with his aides.

The New York Times

I worked for BAFTA in the same year that Sir Christopher Lee was awarded fellowship, and had the privilege of directly speaking with Sir Christopher in taking his votes for the BAFTA Film Awards that year.

The Guardian - Film

The choice of words is so telling in a number of ways, but mostly, it's this: by adopting the language of a teenage boy (even self-censoring the f word), the company was directly speaking to the audience members as they were 20 years ago.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Neither side can directly speak to the depths of the problems they claim they would fix.

Independent

The mid-ranking officers under arrest had rarely seen or directly spoken with Sugrobov.

The New Yorker

But he did not directly speak about climate change or global warming.

The Guardian

Some politicians can make every member of a crowd feel directly spoken to.

The New York Times - Arts

Similar issues arose with the plan for the Zayed National Museum, the institution that most directly speaks to the country's identity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "directly speaking" to introduce a candid or straightforward perspective, especially when contrasting it with more diplomatic or nuanced viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid using "directly speaking" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "frankly speaking" or "to be blunt".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directly speaking" typically functions as a discourse marker or adverbial phrase, introducing a statement that is intended to be straightforward, candid, or frank. Ludwig confirms this by showing that it’s used to introduce an opinion or observation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "directly speaking" is a phrase used to introduce a frank and straightforward statement. While grammatically correct, as indicated by Ludwig AI, its frequency is uncommon. It is most often found in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When writing, remember to use "directly speaking" to clearly signal your intention to be candid, but avoid overusing it to maintain a natural tone. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in various contexts, helping you to use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frankly speaking

Emphasizes honesty and openness in communication, potentially more direct than the original phrase.

to be frank

Similar to "frankly speaking" but shorter and more informal.

to be straightforward

Highlights clarity and directness in communication.

in all honesty

Highlights the speaker's sincerity and truthfulness.

to put it bluntly

Indicates a lack of tact or subtlety in the statement.

in plain language

Focuses on clarity and simplicity of expression, avoiding jargon or ambiguity.

in no uncertain terms

Signifies a forceful and unambiguous expression.

explicitly stating

Implies a clear and unambiguous declaration.

putting it simply

Indicates a simplification of complex information.

to be precise

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness in the statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "directly speaking" to preface a frank or candid statement. For example, "Directly speaking, I think we need to reconsider our approach".

What are some alternatives to "directly speaking"?

Some alternatives include "frankly speaking", "to be honest", or "to put it bluntly", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "directly speaking"?

No, the appropriateness of using "directly speaking" depends on the situation and audience. In formal or sensitive contexts, it may be better to use a more tactful approach. However, it works better on informal and friendly environments.

What does it mean to speak directly to someone?

To speak directly to someone means to communicate with them in a clear, unambiguous, and straightforward manner. It involves addressing them personally and expressing your thoughts or feelings without hesitation.