it was speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something or someone was in the act of speaking in the past. Example: "As I walked into the room, I could hear that it was speaking, but I couldn't make out the words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Business lobby group the CBI has also said it was speaking to its members as the UK stared at several years of economic uncertainty.

The Guardian - Business

The university of Northampton said it was speaking with police.

The Guardian

It was speaking to me in the most insistent way.

The Guardian - Books

I wanted to do it because it was speaking to my inner child.

Independent

BP may have thought it was speaking in clear and intelligible English.

Harvard Business Review

"But we didn't know what it was saying because it was speaking in Indian".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

And it was spoken.

The Guardian

It reads worse than it was spoken.

The Guardian - Sport

Every time, it was "Speak softly".

The New York Times - Magazine

Mangling the Hebrew when it was spoken instead of sung.

The New York Times

And it was broadly accessible, or at least it was spoken of that way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was speaking" when you want to emphasize that something non-human (like a book, a movie, or music) resonated with someone on a deeper level.

Common error

Avoid using "it was speaking" when describing a person's actions unless you are trying to convey a metaphorical or unusual sense of communication. Use "he/she was speaking" for direct human speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was speaking" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of something communicating, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples where "it" refers to various subjects, both animate and inanimate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was speaking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that can describe either literal or metaphorical communication. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, while versatile, the phrase is most often found in news and media contexts. Its purpose is to convey that something was communicating a message or idea, and it's important to consider whether the context calls for a literal or figurative interpretation to avoid misusing the phrase. Remember to use "he/she was speaking" for human speech and reserve "it was speaking" for non-human subjects or metaphorical scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was saying

Replaces "speaking" with "saying", focusing on the content of the communication.

it communicated

Uses a more general term for conveying information.

it conveyed

Similar to "communicated", emphasizing the transmission of a message.

it expressed

Focuses on the outward manifestation of an idea or feeling.

it articulated

Suggests a clear and coherent expression.

it declared

Implies a formal or emphatic statement.

it proclaimed

Suggests a public and often grandiose announcement.

it revealed

Focuses on the disclosure of something previously unknown.

it implied

Indicates a suggestion or indirect communication.

it hinted

Suggests a subtle or veiled communication.

FAQs

How can I use "it was speaking" in a sentence?

You can use "it was speaking" to describe how something resonated with you, for example: "The music "it was speaking" directly to my soul."

What can I say instead of "it was speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "it was saying", "it communicated", or "it expressed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "it was speaking" to describe a feeling?

Yes, "it was speaking" can be used metaphorically to describe a feeling or idea that resonated deeply, as if it were communicating something important. For example, "The artwork "it was speaking" volumes about the human condition."

What's the difference between "it was speaking" and "it was talking"?

"It was talking" typically refers to direct verbal communication, whereas "it was speaking" can be used more figuratively to suggest a deeper connection or resonance that goes beyond literal speech.