he speaks that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he speaks that" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used in standard English and lacks context to be meaningful. Example: "He speaks that language fluently" would be a more appropriate construction.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Until he speaks that is.

Independent

Former colleagues say he speaks that way because that is what his job demands; Mr. LaPierre learned early on the dangers of appearing to back down.

The New York Times

So the audience for the new series "The Hollow Crown" should understand exactly what Henry IV of England means when he speaks that famous line.

The New York Times - Arts

"Every time he speaks, that opinion is confirmed.

Los Angeles Times

"He speaks that language".

The New Yorker

In his application of their techniques to the future, Mr Kohn gives a depth to the scenarios of which he speaks that the numbers and maps of more mundane climate prognostication can never match.In the process of immersing the reader in a fully realised set of tomorrows, Mr Kohn also recasts his perception of today.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Already, as he spoke that day, the number of black and Hispanic students accepted to the university system was dropping.

The New York Times

He directs the university's Institute for Quantitative Social Science, and he spoke that day about his specialty, which is gathering and analyzing data.

The New Yorker

Abraham Lincoln's appearance at Gettysburg on Nov. 19, 1863, has been remembered in the roughly 270 ringing words he spoke that day and exactly one undisputed photograph.

The New York Times

And so he spoke, and so he spoke, That lord of Castamere, But now the rains weep o'er his hall, With no one there to hear.

Huffington Post

"Who speaks that way?" he said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you intend to describe the manner of speaking, use "the way he speaks" instead of "he speaks that".

Common error

Don't assume "he speaks that" is interchangeable with "he says that". While occasionally found in certain dialects or informal contexts, it's not standard English. Sticking to "he says that" ensures clarity and avoids grammatical errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he speaks that" functions as a clause intending to relay information, however, according to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically questionable. The intended function is to report speech or a statement, but the structure doesn't align with standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he speaks that" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English, as indicated by Ludwig AI. While some examples exist, primarily in news and academic contexts, it is not a reliable choice for clear communication. It's better to opt for alternatives like "he says that" or "he mentions that" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity. When describing the manner of speaking, "the way he speaks" is a better alternative. Therefore, avoid using "he speaks that" in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he says that

Replaces "speaks" with "says", focusing on the content of the speech rather than the manner.

he mentions that

Similar to "says that" but suggests a less formal or detailed communication.

he states that

More formal than "says that", implying a declaration or official statement.

he articulates that

Emphasizes the clarity and eloquence of the speech.

he expresses that

Focuses on the communication of a feeling or idea.

the way he speaks indicates that

Focuses on the manner of speaking as a signifier of something else.

he communicates that

Highlights the act of conveying information.

he conveys that

Similar to "communicates that" but may imply a more subtle or indirect transmission of information.

he professes that

Suggests a strong and possibly public declaration of belief.

he intimates that

Implies that something is communicated indirectly.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he speaks that"?

You can use alternatives like "he says that", "he mentions that", or "he states that depending on the context".

Is "he speaks that" grammatically correct?

Generally, "he speaks that" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's better to use alternatives such as "he says that".

How can I describe someone's manner of speaking?

Instead of using "he speaks that", you can describe their manner of speaking by saying "the way "he speaks"" or by using adjectives to describe their speech, such as "he speaks eloquently".

What's the difference between "he speaks that" and "he speaks of that"?

"He speaks that" is generally incorrect, while "he speaks of that" is grammatically sound and means he is talking about a particular subject.