reserved speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reserved speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of speech that is cautious, restrained, or not openly expressive, often in formal or professional contexts. Example: "During the meeting, her reserved speech indicated that she was not fully comfortable sharing her opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The economy characteristic of those years informed everything about her – the way she dressed, her reserved speech, the pared-back working method, the attitude to equipment, the reluctance to talk about her work.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The poem, one of Davis's many "shattered sonnets," as she has called them, draws these lines in order to color outside of them; her small "i" isn't so much an homage to Cummings as it is a nod to text messages and Gchat, forms of written communication that operate under the conditions of instantaneousness previously reserved for speech.

The New Yorker

The public sessions of the estates in the Diet were reserved for speeches and debates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He allows a few rivals to give speeches early in the gathering, but prime time is reserved for a speech by his aide Beelzebub, who straddles the hawk-dove divide by proposing a coalition-building compromise: send someone to the newly created creatures on earth to "seduce them to our party".

The New York Times

The Venetian ambassador wrote of him: "His authority was great... His designs were vast; his temper was grave, severe, reserved, brief in speech.

The Guardian - Arts

This being the bit of the speech reserved for straight talk, Obama didn't claim that there were any easy solutions.

The New Yorker

Speaker John A. Boehner, taking the floor at a time usually reserved for brief speeches by rank-and-file members, said he had asked the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is at the center of Republican war against the health care law, to draft legislation blocking the rule.

The New York Times

In short order Mr. McCain's campaign sent reporters the advance text — a step usually reserved for major speeches or pronouncements — of remarks he planned to deliver in Orlando, Fla., on Monday afternoon proclaiming that "the American economy is in crisis" and redefining what he had meant when he spoke about the "fundamentals".

The New York Times

The White House invited Ryan to the speech and reserved a V.I.P. seat for him.

The New Yorker

In person, he's reserved; the Oscar acceptance speech on Sunday night was very Rylance.

The Guardian

Nor, apparently, did he foresee how granting corporate entities the right of free speech otherwise reserved to "natural persons" would lead to granting them the right of religious observance, piety and scruple, as the court did in the Hobby Lobby case.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's personality or behavior, use "reserved speech" to convey traits such as introversion, caution, or formality. For example, "Her "reserved speech" made it difficult to gauge her true feelings."

Common error

Avoid using "reserved speech" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase is more appropriate for formal or professional settings where a deliberate and restrained communication style is expected. For instance, use a more casual phrase like "quiet" or "soft-spoken" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reserved speech" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It serves to characterize a particular style of communication, denoting caution, restraint, and a lack of overt expressiveness, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reserved speech" describes a deliberate and restrained style of communication. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct, although relatively rare in usage. As an adjective + noun phrase, it's suitable for formal contexts like news reporting, encyclopedic descriptions, and professional settings, where a cautious and thoughtful tone is preferred. When writing, be mindful to use this phrase in appropriate settings and avoid overuse in informal conversations. Consider alternatives like "reticent communication" or "guarded language" to add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reticent communication

Emphasizes a reluctance to speak or disclose information.

guarded language

Highlights the careful and protective nature of the speech.

restrained expression

Focuses on the controlled and measured delivery of thoughts.

circumspect discourse

Indicates a cautious and well-considered approach to conversation.

cautious articulation

Stresses the carefulness and precision in expressing oneself.

subdued tone

Highlights a quiet and controlled manner of speaking.

measured words

Indicates a deliberate choice of vocabulary to avoid revealing too much.

unforthcoming remarks

Emphasizes a lack of openness and candor in the speech.

taciturn communication

Highlights the speaker's tendency to be brief and infrequent in speech.

secretive utterance

Suggests that the communication is intended to conceal information.

FAQs

How can "reserved speech" be used in a sentence?

"Reserved speech" can describe someone who is careful and deliberate in their communication. Example: "His "reserved speech" suggested a thoughtful and cautious nature."

What is a synonym for "reserved speech"?

Alternatives to "reserved speech" include "reticent communication", "guarded language", or "restrained expression".

Is "reserved speech" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "reserved speech" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a cautious and deliberate communication style.

What does it mean when someone has "reserved speech"?

Having "reserved speech" means that someone is careful and measured in their communication, often indicating thoughtfulness, caution, or formality. This is different from someone who is "open speech".