speak indirectly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak indirectly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a manner of communication that does not express thoughts or feelings in a straightforward way. Example: "In literature, characters often speak indirectly to convey their true emotions without stating them outright."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We will learn to speak indirectly, to read different kinds of silence.

The Guardian - Books

The research found that women were four times more likely than men to be self-deprecating, use humour and speak indirectly or apologetically when broaching difficult subjects with board members in order to avoid conflict.

The Guardian

Since it involves hospitals, schools and other public institutions, motherhood kind of forced the community out into the open, although the Berner-Kadishes say that many of their friends still speak indirectly about "our situation".

The New York Times

However, they do speak indirectly, via polls and contributions.

HuffPost

Although, to our knowledge, there are no studies that directly address the relationship between self-referential processing and speed of visuo-spatial perspective-taking, there are some bodies of research that speak indirectly to this idea.

Plosone

It is better to speak indirectly about the costs involved of raising children and to let your spouse reach his or her own conclusions.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They all knew the phone was tapped, so they spoke indirectly.

Cornell University

I liked the idea of speaking indirectly while still telling the truth.

The Guardian

Of course, the Commission also has spoken indirectly through a number of enforcement actions, which necessarily involved finding that the token offerings at issue were securities offerings.

Columbia University

In 2014, Trump told a press luncheon that he "spoke, indirectly and directly, with President Putin, who could not have been nicer".

The Guardian

In 2014, at a National Press Club lunch in Washington, Trump remarked that he had spoken "indirectly and directly" with Putin, "who could not have been nicer".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speak indirectly" when you want to describe communication that is not direct or explicit, often relying on implication or subtle cues.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone who "speaks indirectly" is being intentionally deceptive; sometimes, it's a cultural or personal communication style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak indirectly" functions as a verb phrase, describing a manner of communication. It highlights the method of conveying information in a roundabout or non-explicit way. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "speak indirectly" describes a communication style that is not direct or explicit, relying on implication, hints, or subtle cues. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. While it's not the most frequent phrase, its use spans across various contexts, including news, science, and everyday conversations. When you want to describe communication that is not straightforward, consider using "speak indirectly", but be mindful of potential misinterpretations. Alternatives like "imply meaning", "hint at", and "insinuate something" offer similar, nuanced ways to express indirect communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imply meaning

Focuses on suggesting meaning without directly stating it.

hint at

Emphasizes the act of giving subtle clues or suggestions.

insinuate something

Highlights the subtle and often negative implication of something.

use veiled language

Focuses on the use of obscure or disguised language.

beat around the bush

Emphasizes avoiding the main point through indirect speech.

talk in circles

Focuses on being unclear or evasive through rambling speech.

equivocate

Highlights the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth.

circumlocute

Focuses on speaking around a topic without directly addressing it.

be evasive

Highlights the act of avoiding direct answers or commitment.

parable

Using story that delivers a moral or lesson indirectly.

FAQs

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

You can use "speak indirectly" to describe someone who communicates in a roundabout way, such as, "Politicians often "speak indirectly" about controversial topics to avoid alienating voters."

What does it mean to "speak indirectly"?

To "speak indirectly" means to communicate without being explicit or direct, often relying on implication, suggestion, or subtle cues rather than stating something outright.

What are some alternatives to "speak indirectly"?

Alternatives to "speak indirectly" include "imply meaning", "hint at", or "insinuate something", each conveying a slightly different nuance of indirect communication.

Is it always negative to "speak indirectly"?

Not necessarily. While "speaking indirectly" can sometimes be used to deceive or avoid responsibility, it can also be a polite or tactful way of communicating sensitive information.