mode of speech

USAGE SUMMARY

"mode of speech" is a perfectly valid phrase to use in written English.
For example: "We can make inferences about the speaker's background from the mode of speech they use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Every mode of speech and every idiosyncrasy is intensely familiar".

The Guardian

What is that if not "a mode of speech that persuades by stealth"?

The Guardian - Books

She rehearsed, coaxed and harried speakers until they found a mode of speech that worked.

The Guardian

Instead, his usual mode of speech is fuelled by high-octane superlatives.

The New Yorker

Her manner is intensely serious, her face unsmiling, her mode of speech self-condemning.

The New Yorker

It also saw another shift, to a more relaxed mode of speech.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mussolini himself has two modes of speech.

The New York Times

Ms. Thomas deftly toggles between different modes of speech, from street-smart to receptionist-smooth.

The New York Times

The court expressed "serious questions about the basis on which the Sprakab analysts [feel] able to establish with such certainty geographical allocation of the appellants' modes of speech".

The Guardian

"I grew up in a new town, Hemel Hempstead, where there was absolutely no vowel meadow, and where the spoken language was flat, a version of London watered down by a mild accumulation of the various modes of speech of the many people who had moved there from all over the place".

The Guardian - Books

Ultimately, though, Broun's father provided a lot of source material for the novel, Broun says; the author interviewed him extensively about his childhood in Worcestershire, mining his father's memories for information about English folk ways: saints, stories and modes of speech.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mode of speech" when you want to describe someone's characteristic way of speaking in a formal or analytical context.

Common error

Avoid using "mode of speech" when simpler alternatives like "way of talking" or "speaking style" would suffice, especially in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mode of speech" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to describe or categorize a person's characteristic style of speaking. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is valid in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mode of speech" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, typically employed to describe someone's distinctive way of speaking. While applicable across various contexts, it is particularly common in News & Media and Science, denoting a neutral to formal register. To avoid overuse, consider employing synonyms such as "style of speaking" or "manner of expression" in less formal settings. Ludwig's examples offer comprehensive insights into how "mode of speech" is effectively utilized across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

style of speaking

Focuses on the manner in which someone speaks, emphasizing stylistic choices.

manner of expression

Highlights how thoughts and ideas are conveyed through language.

way of talking

A more informal and general way to refer to someone's speech habits.

form of communication

Broadens the scope to include any means of conveying information, not just speech.

verbal communication style

Emphasizes the verbal aspect of communication and its unique characteristics.

linguistic behavior

A more technical term referring to the patterns of language use.

speech pattern

Refers to the recurring characteristics in someone's way of speaking.

dialect

Focuses on the regional or social variety of a language.

intonation

Highlights the rise and fall of the voice in speech.

articulation

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of speech.

FAQs

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

You can use "mode of speech" to describe a person's typical way of speaking, such as, "His "mode of speech" was formal and precise."

What are some alternatives to "mode of speech"?

Alternatives include "style of speaking", "manner of expression", or "way of talking".

Is "mode of speech" formal or informal?

"Mode of speech" is generally considered a more formal term. In informal contexts, "way of talking" or "speaking style" might be more appropriate.

What does "mode of speech" refer to?

"Mode of speech" refers to the characteristic way someone expresses themselves verbally, including their vocabulary, grammar, and tone. It's similar to but more formal than "speaking style".