in speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in speech' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was said verbally, but you do not need to specify by whom. For example, "The phrase 'in speech' is often used to describe something said during a conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Speech!

The Guardian - Books

Hers is in speech, his in English.

The New York Times

Critical periods in speech perception: new directions.

Harvard University

MS in Speech & Theatre, Brooklyn College 1973.

The New York Times

In speech, he also likes blunt instruments.

The Guardian

Vowels are stretched and prolonged in speech.

The New York Times - Travel

It consists in speech abnormalities caused by neuromuscular disorders.

Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología

The d-normalization is similar to the loudness in speech synthesis.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Angella Henry, D. J.'s mother, works in speech pathology.

The New York Times

In speech, however, upper and lower case are indistinguishable.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Windows also has its own built-in speech recognition system.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in speech" to specifically indicate that something is characteristic of or occurs within spoken language, distinguishing it from written language or other forms of communication. For instance, "Ellipsis is more common in speech than in writing."

Common error

Avoid using "in speech" when "orally" or "verbally" would be more concise and appropriate. Overusing "in speech" can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Consider whether the distinction between spoken and written language is truly necessary for your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in speech" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb, noun, or adjective to specify that something pertains to spoken language. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability. Examples show its use in contrasting spoken language with written language or describing phenomena specific to speech.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in speech" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to specify that a particular characteristic, rule, or phenomenon is associated with spoken language. This phrase is particularly common in academic, scientific, and news contexts where precision is valued. While alternatives like "orally" or "verbally" can sometimes be more concise, "in speech" is valuable when explicitly contrasting spoken language with other forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spoken language

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the difference between written and spoken forms of language.

in verbal communication

This phrase is formal and highlights the process of exchanging information through spoken words.

verbally

This emphasizes the use of words, especially spoken words, differentiating it from written or non-verbal communication.

orally

This alternative provides a more concise, adverbial form, focusing solely on the act of speaking rather than the medium.

in oral presentation

This phrase highlights a formal context where someone is presenting information through spoken words.

when spoken

This alternative specifies a condition, focusing on instances where something is communicated through speech.

during conversation

This pinpoints the context to a conversational setting, implying a more informal exchange.

when articulating

This focuses on the act of expressing something clearly and distinctly.

through discourse

This alternative suggests a more structured or formal exchange of ideas.

by word of mouth

This emphasizes the transmission of information through direct, personal communication.

FAQs

How can I use "in speech" in a sentence?

You can use "in speech" to specify that a particular phenomenon or characteristic applies to spoken language. For example, "Pauses are more frequent "in speech" than in written text."

What's the difference between "in speech" and "verbally"?

"In speech" refers to the general context of spoken language, whereas "verbally" refers to the act of using words. You might say "Repetition is common "in speech"", but "The message was conveyed "verbally"".

Which is correct, "in speech" or "in spoken language"?

Both "in speech" and "in spoken language" are correct, but "in speech" is generally more concise. "In spoken language" may be preferred when greater emphasis on the linguistic form is desired.

What are some synonyms for the phrase "in speech"?

Alternatives to "in speech" include "orally", "verbally", and "when spoken", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.