not speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of silence or the act of refraining from verbal communication. Example: "During the meeting, she remained not speaking, allowing others to share their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Music

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's not speaking.

The New York Times

She's not speaking metaphorically.

The New York Times - Arts

Not speaking German.

The New York Times

I am not speaking metaphorically.

The New York Times

But they're not speaking up.

The New York Times - Books

He was not speaking.

The New York Times

I'm not speaking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not speaking to anyone.

The Guardian - Music

The two currently are not speaking.

The New York Times

Perhaps they're not speaking loudly enough.

The New Yorker

He was not speaking of Haldeman.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not speaking" when you want to emphasize the action of refraining from speech, whether it's intentional or unintentional. For example, "He was "not speaking" to anyone after the argument".

Common error

While both indicate a lack of speech, "not speaking" implies a choice or circumstance, while "silent" describes a state. Use "silent" to describe someone's inherent nature or a general atmosphere of quiet. Say "She was "not speaking" because she was angry", not "She was silent because she was angry", unless her general demeanor is quiet.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not speaking" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase to indicate a current state or action of refraining from speech. Ludwig AI shows many examples where it modifies a subject's action or describes a specific situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Music

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not speaking" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of silence or the act of refraining from verbal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, opinion pieces, books, and general discussions. It is important to remember that, in most cases, it refers to a temporary state or deliberate choice, differing from "silent", which describes a general characteristic or condition. Using "not speaking" effectively involves understanding its context and choosing it when you want to emphasize the action of refraining from speech. Considering available alternatives such as "remaining silent" or "keeping mum" can also enhance your writing by providing nuance and variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining silent

Focuses on the act of keeping quiet, emphasizing the lack of verbal communication.

keeping mum

Implies a deliberate choice to stay silent, often about a specific topic.

refraining from speech

Highlights the conscious effort to avoid talking.

not uttering a word

Emphasizes the complete absence of spoken words.

holding one's tongue

Suggests suppressing the urge to speak, often to avoid conflict.

being mute

Refers to the condition of being unable or unwilling to speak.

not voicing opinions

Specific to withholding one's thoughts or beliefs.

abstaining from conversation

Focuses on avoiding participation in a dialogue.

offering no comment

A formal way of declining to provide information or an opinion.

not communicating verbally

Highlights the absence of spoken communication, but still leaves place for another type of communication.

FAQs

How can I use "not speaking" in a sentence?

You can use "not speaking" to describe a temporary state of silence, often due to a specific reason, such as, "They are "not speaking" to each other after their disagreement".

What are some alternatives to saying "not speaking"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "remaining silent", "keeping mum", or "refraining from speech".

Is it correct to say "not speaking" instead of "not talking"?

Yes, "not speaking" is a correct and commonly used phrase. While "not talking" might sound more informal, "not speaking" can emphasize a deliberate choice to be silent or an inability to speak at that moment.

What's the difference between "not speaking" and "being silent"?

"Not speaking" often refers to a temporary situation or a specific action of refraining from speech. "Being silent", on the other hand, can describe a more general state or characteristic. For example, "They are "not speaking" because of a fight", versus "She is often silent in meetings".