quietly speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quietly speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is speaking in a soft or subdued manner, often to convey discretion or intimacy. Example: "In the crowded room, she leaned in closer, quietly speaking her thoughts to him so that no one else could hear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A good horseman will approach them quietly, speaking to them and patting them to give them confidence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most indelible image I have is of Augusto leaning down next to his grown son, quietly speaking with him and kissing him.

The New York Times

This is his first major league camp, and he has acted like it, going about his business quietly, speaking when spoken to.

The New York Times - Sports

He made the announcement quietly, speaking through his agent, even though he spent most of his career as one of the game's most outsized, vocal characters.

The New Yorker

Cabinet officials and government spokespeople have been quietly speaking to the press about their plans, generating a flurry of optimistic, mostly unsourced news reports and propelling the Bombay Stock Exchange's Sensex Index to a seven-month high Thursday morning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She is quietly spoken.

The Guardian

But online, at least, Victoria's Secret has quietly spoken.

The New York Times

The quietly spoken manager is, however, more realistic.

The Guardian - Sport

He was, she said, charming and quietly spoken.

The Guardian

Moxon, a quietly spoken intellectual, is amused by the question.

The Guardian

White-haired and quietly spoken, the founder of Vyasna is a committed pacifist.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quietly speaking" to convey a sense of intimacy, discretion, or reverence in a conversation. It suggests a deliberate choice to lower the volume of one's voice.

Common error

Avoid using "quietly speaking" excessively in formal writing or presentations where clarity and projection are paramount. Opt for more direct and assertive language to ensure your message is effectively conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quietly speaking" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the manner in which someone is speaking. As seen in Ludwig, this often implies a deliberate reduction in volume, suggesting discretion or intimacy. The adverb "quietly" modifies the verb "speaking", indicating how the action is performed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quietly speaking" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of speaking in a soft, subdued manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English to convey discretion or intimacy. While not very common, the expression appears in reputable news sources and encyclopedias, maintaining a neutral register. Consider "speaking softly" or "whispering" as alternatives depending on the precise nuance you want to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speaking softly

Emphasizes the low volume of the speech.

whispering

Implies an even quieter mode of speaking, often secretive.

murmuring

Suggests a low, indistinct way of speaking.

talking in hushed tones

Highlights the secrecy or reverence associated with the quiet speech.

uttering softly

Focuses on the gentle emission of the words.

saying in a low voice

Directly indicates the reduced volume of the voice.

addressing gently

Shifts focus to the kindness implied by the quiet speech.

communicating discreetly

Emphasizes the intention to keep the communication private.

conversing in a subdued manner

Indicates a restrained and calm way of talking.

remarking quietly

Focuses on the low volume of the comment.

FAQs

How can I use "quietly speaking" in a sentence?

You can use "quietly speaking" to describe someone who is talking softly and discreetly. For example, "The librarian was "quietly speaking" to a patron about overdue books."

What are some alternatives to "quietly speaking"?

Alternatives include "speaking softly", "whispering", or "murmuring", depending on the degree of quietness you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "quietly speaking" and "quietly spoken"?

"Quietly speaking" describes the act of speaking in a quiet manner, while "quietly spoken" describes someone's general demeanor or character as being soft-spoken.

When is it appropriate to use "quietly speaking" in writing?

It's suitable when you want to emphasize the hushed or confidential nature of a conversation, or to create a sense of intimacy or secrecy.