having spoken with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having spoken with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a conversation has taken place prior to the current context or action being discussed. Example: "Having spoken with the team, I believe we are ready to move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Having spoken with people in county government, there was dementia as a factor for both gentlemen.

The New York Times

He does not recall having spoken with Mr. Nixon again after that time, he said.

The New York Times

Having spoken with the NTC we understand that this remains the case.

The Guardian

On Thursday, two high-ranking I.O.C. officials said they expected a change in policy after having spoken with Chinese authorities.

The New York Times - Sports

Having awakened to find them absent, we may be left with a sense of having spoken with them.

The New Yorker

Liverpool soon appointed a new foreign manager in Rafael Benítez and having spoken with the Spaniard, Gerrard decided to stay.

The Guardian - Sport

(Flynn lasted only a month, after he lied about having spoken with the Russian Ambassador before taking office).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Other teacher friends that I've spoken with had similar experiences upon first entering their schools.

The New York Times

But we have spoken with him.

The New York Times - Sports

GONZALES: I have spoken with Mr. Bogden.

The Washington Post

Mussina had spoken with Giuliani before.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having spoken with" to indicate that a conversation has influenced a decision or action. For example, "Having spoken with the team, I decided to postpone the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "having spoken with" when the conversation is ongoing or has not yet concluded. Use a future tense construction instead: "After I speak with him, I will…"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having spoken with" functions as an introductory phrase, specifically a perfect gerund phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It provides context by indicating that a conversation preceded the action or statement in the main clause. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having spoken with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves as an introductory element, indicating a prior conversation that influences a subsequent action or statement. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is versatile and appropriate for professional communication and news reporting. While generally neutral in tone, it can be replaced with more or less formal alternatives depending on the specific context. It's a versatile phrase with broad applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after talking to

This alternative is more direct and less formal.

following a conversation with

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the interaction.

upon discussing with

This alternative is more formal and highlights the act of discussion.

in consultation with

This alternative implies a more formal and advisory interaction.

after conferring with

This alternative suggests a deliberate and thoughtful discussion.

on discussing with

Slightly less common, this option still retains similar meaning.

after a word with

More informal way of saying.

having conferred with

More formal and implies a structured conversation.

after chatting with

A casual way to mention the dialogue with someone.

following dialogue with

This is a more formal way to say 'after talking with'.

FAQs

How can I use "having spoken with" in a sentence?

Use "having spoken with" to indicate that a conversation has already taken place and is relevant to the current topic. For example: "Having spoken with the manager, I understand the project's priorities."

What are some alternatives to "having spoken with"?

You can use alternatives like "after talking to", "following a conversation with", or "upon discussing with" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "having spoken with" or "after talking to"?

"Having spoken with" is generally considered more formal than "after talking to". The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

What's the difference between "having spoken with" and "having a conversation with"?

"Having spoken with" implies a completed conversation, whereas "having a conversation with" suggests the potential for a conversation or a general habit. For example, "Having spoken with the client, I revised the proposal" versus "I enjoy having conversations with my colleagues".