speak by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak by" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be interpreted in specific contexts, such as discussing methods of communication, but it is generally not standard. Example: "You can speak by using various languages or gestures to convey your message."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I could speak by then.

The New Yorker

Trump and Comey speak by phone.

The Washington Post

"Many people began to speak by sentences from this novel.

The New York Times - Books

"I would've been happy to speak by phone," I said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Children learn to speak by parodying their parents.

The Guardian - Books

It also left financial clues that speak by themselves".

The Guardian - Books

Based on the novel "Speak," by Laurie Halse Anderson.

The New York Times - Arts

I e-mailed him, suggesting we speak by phone on Friday (when I'd be home).

The New York Times

Father and son speak by phone at least once a day.

The New York Times

"I had to speak by myself," Liliana recounted in her small voice.

The New York Times

Three days a week, Vaíl and his son speak by phone to talk about the project.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "speak by", ensure the context clearly indicates the method or means of communication. For instance, "speak by phone" or "speak by email" are more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "speak by" in contexts where the means of communication is unclear or irrelevant. Instead, use a simpler verb like "communicate" or specify the method directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak by" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a mode or method of communication. Ludwig AI suggests that while acceptable, it is not always the most common or idiomatic choice. Examples show its use specifying the means of communication, such as "speak by phone" or "speak by email."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speak by" is used to specify a particular method or medium of communication. While acceptable, Ludwig AI indicates it is not the most idiomatic choice in all contexts. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, providing clarity about how communication occurs. Alternatives such as "communicate via" or "express through" may offer greater clarity or formality in certain situations. When using "speak by", ensure the means of communication is clear and relevant to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communicate via

Replaces "speak" with a broader term and "by" with a synonym indicating means.

express through

Emphasizes conveying thoughts or feelings using a particular method.

convey by means of

Formal alternative emphasizing the method of communication.

articulate through

Focuses on clear and effective expression via a specific medium.

relate using

Highlights sharing information or a narrative using a certain tool.

voice through

Implies giving expression or utterance through a specific channel.

declare by

Suggests making an official or emphatic statement through a specific medium.

profess via

Similar to declare but can imply a belief or feeling expressed through specific means.

state by

Simply indicates making a declaration through a given medium.

announce via

Highlights publicly declaring something using a specific method.

FAQs

What does "speak by" mean?

"Speak by" generally refers to communicating through a particular medium or method, such as "speak by phone" or "speak by letter". It emphasizes the means of communication.

How can I use "speak by" in a sentence?

Use "speak by" to specify the communication method. For example: "They "speak by phone" every week" or "He preferred to "speak by email" rather than in person".

What can I say instead of "speak by"?

Alternatives include "communicate via", "express through", or "convey by means of", depending on the specific context. These options may offer greater clarity or formality.

Is it more correct to say "speak by phone" or "speak on the phone"?

"Speak on the phone" is generally more common and idiomatic. "Speak by phone" is understood but slightly less conventional. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and precision.