shall speak to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall speak to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal contexts to indicate a future intention to communicate with someone. Example: "I shall speak to the committee about the proposed changes during our next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I shall speak to you as a friend, no more".

The New York Times

When he pitched this very basic variation on the Golden Rule to staff members, Mr. Sharp says in the book, the reaction was a lot of head-scratching — as though he had arrived at the office one day and announced, "From now on, we shall speak to our guests in riddles, dressed in ponchos".

The New York Times

You shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, "This shall be a holy anointing oil to me throughout your generations.

Vice

"We shall speak to anyone with ideas as to how to effect this package that will help us grow and maximize the present value we can pay to our creditors".

Huffington Post

Another example, Islam claims the Prophet Muhammad was foretold in the Torah and Bible: God had said to Moses: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put My words in his mouth; and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him" Deuteronomy 18 18.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"One shall not speak to his brother," says the Manual, "in anger or in complaint . . .

The New Yorker

Ingram then sent the 18-reel version to von Stroheim and told him "if you cut one more frame I shall never speak to you again".

Wikipedia

Of the swelling which is made in the middle of columns, which the Greeks call ἔντασις, so that it may be pleasing and appropriate, I shall speak at the end of the book.

University of Chicago

I shall never set foot in the big house again... and I shall never again speak to the hell-hound".

The Guardian - Books

But ask now the beasts and they shall teach thee: and the fowls of the air, and they shall teach thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.

Forbes

The principles that judges must know the law and that only judges shall sit in judgment speak to the rule of law in the 21st as much as the 13th century.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing "shall speak to". While grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Alternatives like "will talk to" might be more appropriate for informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "shall speak to" in informal conversations. It can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for more casual alternatives like "will talk to" or "am going to speak to" in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall speak to" functions as a verb phrase expressing a future action. It indicates a planned or intended communication, adding a sense of formality and determination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall speak to" is a grammatically correct way to express a future intention to communicate, best suited for formal contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively rare in modern English, with more common alternatives such as "will address" or "will talk with" often preferred in informal settings. Primarily found in news media, academic, and scientific sources, it's important to consider the audience and tone before using this phrase to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will address

Replaces "shall speak to" with a more common and slightly less formal future tense.

will talk with

Uses "talk" instead of "speak", making it less formal.

intend to discuss with

Explicitly states intention to discuss, adding clarity but increasing length.

plan to converse with

Replaces "speak" with "converse", increasing formality.

aim to communicate with

Uses "communicate" for a broader meaning of interaction.

will have a discussion with

Elaborates on the interaction as a "discussion".

are going to speak with

Replaces "shall" with "are going to", making it less formal and more direct.

must address

Indicates a necessity to address, adding a sense of obligation.

should talk with

Suggests a recommendation to talk with, reducing the sense of obligation compared to "shall".

may discuss with

Indicates a possibility to discuss, making it less definite.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "shall speak to"?

The phrase "shall speak to" is most appropriate in formal writing or when conveying a firm intention to communicate. It can add a touch of formality and determination, making it suitable for official contexts.

What are some alternatives to "shall speak to"?

You can use alternatives like "will address", "will talk with", or "intend to discuss with" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "shall speak to" considered outdated?

While not as commonly used as "will speak to", "shall speak to" is still grammatically correct. However, its use can sound overly formal in certain contexts, so it's important to consider your audience and the overall tone you want to convey.

How does "shall speak to" differ from "will speak to"?

"Shall" is traditionally used with "I" and "we" to express a future intention or determination, while "will" is used with other subjects. In modern English, "will" is often used universally, making "shall" sound more formal or old-fashioned. Using "will speak to" is often a safer choice in most contexts.