fluency of speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fluency of speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability to speak a language smoothly and effortlessly. Example: "Her fluency of speech in multiple languages impressed everyone at the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

These disruptions alter the rhythm and fluency of speech and sometimes impede communication, with consequences on the affected individual's confidence when speaking.

Britannica

The Taunton Courier noted that at one dinner, he "made a great impression by the perspicacity of his utterances, by the breadth of view they indicated, and by his fluency of speech".

Wikipedia

Fluency of speech was assessed using the Controlled Word Association Test (COWAT)[ 43].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Frequent phonic tics can impair fluency of speech and thus conversations.

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Perceptual judgments of speech produced by 42 patients with ADSD were made by two panels of professional listeners with expertise in voice or fluency of speech.

Clinical interventions in aging

24 The questionnaire consisted of 17 items (Table 3), where items 1 16 were based on the self-report of the subjects, while item 17 ("fluency of speech") was based on the ratings of the experimenter.

Clinical interventions in aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Schlaug and other researchers have found that by practicing to express themselves with a simple form of singing — something that sounds almost like Gregorian chant — aphasic stroke victims significantly improved the fluency of their speech compared with patients whose speech therapy did not include singing.

Los Angeles Times

One item corresponded to stuttering, b330 (fluency and rhythm of speech functions) and was found in CHQ-CF.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The other categories were identified in chapters b2 sensory functions and pain (e.g. dizziness, sensation of pain; n = 7), b7 neuromusculoskeletal- and movement-related functions (e.g. coordination, clumsiness; n = 3), and b3 voice and speech functions (e.g. fluency and rhythm of speech; n = 1).

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Studies in which speech auditory feedback was delayed by several hundred milliseconds have shown disruptive effects on the timing and fluency of children's speech production [55], [56], [57], [58], [59], in some cases, with children exhibiting stronger effects than adults (e.g., [58], [60]).

Plosone

Next, the team compared the fluency of the volunteers' speech when they were talking to a Chinese versus a Caucasian face.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's communication skills, consider using "fluency of speech" to emphasize their ability to speak smoothly and effortlessly, especially in contexts where rhythm and pace are important.

Common error

Avoid using "fluency of speech" when you actually mean accent or vocabulary range. Fluency specifically refers to the smoothness and continuity of speech, not necessarily the correctness or complexity of the language used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fluency of speech" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the quality or characteristic of spoken language. The Britannica example shows it describes an aspect of speaking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fluency of speech" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase referring to the smoothness and ease of spoken language. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely common, it appears mostly in scientific, news-related, and encyclopedic contexts. It is important to use this phrase when specifically referring to the flow and rhythm of speech, rather than other aspects of language ability like vocabulary or accent. Consider related terms like "verbal fluency" or "articulate speech" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verbal fluency

Focuses more on the ability to generate words rapidly and efficiently.

articulate speech

Emphasizes clarity and precision in the production of speech.

eloquence

Highlights the expressiveness and persuasiveness of speech.

ease of speaking

Focuses on the comfort and naturalness of the speaking process.

smooth delivery

Highlights the seamless and uninterrupted flow of speech.

command of language

Emphasizes overall proficiency and control over language skills.

speaking ability

A general term for the capacity to speak effectively.

linguistic proficiency

Highlights the overall competence in using a language.

facility with words

Highlights a natural aptitude and ease in using language.

articulation skills

Focuses on the physical production of speech sounds with clarity.

FAQs

How can I improve my "fluency of speech"?

Practice speaking regularly, focusing on maintaining a consistent pace and minimizing pauses. Techniques like shadowing (repeating after a speaker) and reading aloud can also help.

What's the difference between "fluency of speech" and "verbal fluency"?

"Fluency of speech" generally refers to the smoothness and rhythm of spoken language, while "verbal fluency" often refers to the ability to generate words quickly and efficiently, often tested in cognitive assessments.

In what contexts is "fluency of speech" most important?

"Fluency of speech" is particularly important in professions and situations that require clear and effective communication, such as public speaking, teaching, customer service, and interpreting.

What are some potential impediments to "fluency of speech"?

Factors like anxiety, stuttering, aphasia, and certain neurological conditions can negatively impact "fluency of speech". Speech therapy and other interventions can help improve fluency in such cases.