please speak up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please speak up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to talk louder or to express their thoughts more clearly. Example: "During the meeting, I noticed some participants were quiet, so I encouraged them to please speak up if they had any ideas to share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Please, speak up.

The New York Times

"If I'm suggesting something you feel is intrusive, please speak up and let me know".

The New York Times

"We accept the theory of evolution, but if anyone has other beliefs, please speak up," Vida says.

The Guardian

If there's someone here who doesn't believe English should be the official language of the United States, please speak up right now.

The New York Times

Again, we invite you to please speak up by posting a response to share your ideas with us and other readers.

Harvard Business Review

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding any aspect of this year's retreat, please, speak up! Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

- If you don't know a name when calling a company, make one up"May I please speak to Dr. Mei Wong, your director of protein purification?" "I'm sorry, we don't have a Dr. Wong," the receptionist is likely to say.

Science Magazine

And please, speak freely.

The New York Times

Please, speak freely.

The New York Times

"Cardinal, please speak to her".

The New Yorker

Please speak slowly.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "please speak up" in a formal setting, consider adding a brief explanation, such as "I'm having trouble hearing you" to soften the request.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly asking someone to "please speak up" without addressing potential underlying issues, such as background noise or technical difficulties. Consider moving to a quieter location or adjusting the microphone volume.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please speak up" functions as an imperative, specifically a polite request or command. It directs the listener to increase their volume or speak more clearly. Ludwig's examples show it's used when someone isn't being heard well.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please speak up" is a grammatically correct and commonly used imperative phrase to politely request someone to speak louder or more clearly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, maintaining a neutral register, with frequent usage in News & Media and Academia. When using the phrase, ensure politeness and address any underlying issues affecting audibility. Alternatives include "speak louder, please" or "could you speak up, please" for added politeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speak louder, please

Replaces "speak up" with a more direct request for increased volume.

could you speak up, please

Adds a polite qualifier to the original request.

can you speak up, please

Similar to "could you speak up", but slightly less formal.

please raise your voice

Offers a more literal alternative to "speak up".

would you mind speaking up

Introduces a more hesitant and polite form.

please amplify your voice

Uses a more technical term for increasing volume.

increase your volume, please

More explicit about the need for greater sound output.

project your voice, please

Emphasizes clear and strong vocal delivery.

please articulate more clearly

Focuses on improving clarity of speech rather than just volume.

can everyone hear me clearly

Shifts the focus to whether the audience can understand, not just the speaker's volume.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to speak louder?

You can politely ask someone to speak louder by using phrases like "could you speak up, please", "can you speak up, please", or "would you mind speaking up" depending on the context and your relationship with the person.

What does "please speak up" mean?

The phrase "please speak up" is a polite way of asking someone to talk louder, either because they are speaking too quietly or because there is too much background noise.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "please speak up"?

It's appropriate to use "please speak up" when you're having difficulty hearing or understanding someone. Consider the formality of the situation and adjust your tone accordingly.

What are some less direct ways to ask someone to speak louder?

Instead of directly saying "please speak up", you could say, "can everyone hear me clearly" (shifting the focus to the group), or gently mention, "I'm having a little trouble hearing you."