ready to speak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ready to speak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is prepared to engage in conversation or deliver a speech. Example: "After a brief pause, she looked at the audience and said she was ready to speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Shoji wasn't ready to speak freely at the time.

The New Yorker

He was getting ready to speak, but not quite yet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Despite compensation payouts in the millions, few are ready to speak out against Wall Street.

Independent

It was clear he was not yet ready to speak of his legacy.

The New York Times

Every time there's an opportunity, we have to be educated, articulate, ready to speak about it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I was hesitant, in part, because I wasn't sure I was ready to speak.

Princeton University

All prime ministers have internal enemies and critics, but Cameron's are tellingly ready to speak out.

The Guardian

He liked to be alone, but would always be ready to speak on the telephone.

The Guardian - Books

At one point, he seemed ready to speak to reporters, but his daughter intervened.

The New York Times

The signals are that the other great powers may not be ready to speak out.

The Guardian

Then she said her family was not yet ready to speak publicly about the case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ready to speak" when you want to convey someone's willingness and preparedness to communicate, whether in a formal or informal setting.

Common error

While versatile, "ready to speak" can sometimes sound informal in highly formal settings. Consider using phrases like "prepared to address" or "poised to deliver" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ready to speak" functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of preparedness or willingness to communicate. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ready to speak" is a common and grammatically sound way to express preparedness and willingness to communicate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and applicable across various contexts, from news and media to academic and formal settings. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for specific situations. By understanding its usage and considering context-appropriate synonyms, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning. It is worth to recap, that according to Ludwig, it is a perfectly usable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepared to talk

Focuses on the act of talking, emphasizing preparation.

willing to communicate

Highlights the willingness to engage in communication.

set to address

Implies a formal intention to speak to an audience.

poised to deliver

Suggests readiness for a more formal speech or presentation.

about to comment

Indicates an imminent intention to express an opinion or remark.

geared up to say

Suggests anticipation and preparation for expressing something.

on the verge of speaking

Implies an almost immediate act of speaking.

disposed to discuss

Highlights a willingness to have a conversation about something.

primed to articulate

Suggests readiness to express something clearly and effectively.

open to converse

Emphasizes accessibility and willingness to engage in a conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "ready to speak" in a sentence?

You can use "ready to speak" to describe someone's preparedness to communicate, such as, "After the introduction, the speaker was ready to speak." It can also indicate a willingness to express opinions or share information.

What are some alternatives to "ready to speak"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "prepared to talk", "willing to communicate", or "set to address".

Is "ready to speak" formal or informal?

"Ready to speak" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal situations, alternatives like "poised to deliver" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean to be "ready to speak"?

To be "ready to speak" means being prepared and willing to communicate, whether it's giving a presentation, answering questions, or sharing your thoughts on a particular topic. It implies a state of preparedness and willingness to engage in conversation.