speak out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean expressing one's opinions, ideas, or feelings without holding back. For example, "The young girl was determined to speak out on the issue of gender equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Better not speak out!

Harvard Business Review

Will you speak out?

The Guardian

Time to speak out?

The Guardian - Opinion

But he should speak out loudly.

The Economist

"It took a man to speak out".

The New York Times

What prompted her to speak out?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Atheists spoke out freely.

The Economist

"I spoke out," he said.

The New Yorker

She speaks out on poverty.

The Economist

Celebrities spoke out, too.

The Washington Post

Jim Devine spoke out last week.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly. While "speak out" implies directness, ensure your message remains respectful and constructive.

Common error

Avoid using "speak out" in situations where a simple expression of opinion is sufficient. The phrase carries a weight of importance and potential controversy, so opt for alternatives like "express your view" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak out" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to describe the action of expressing one's opinions, ideas, or feelings, often publicly and boldly. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts of expressing dissent or support for a cause.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speak out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of expressing one's opinions or beliefs, especially in a public and assertive manner. According to Ludwig AI, it implies expressing one's opinions, ideas, or feelings without holding back. It's commonly found in news articles, formal business settings, and even on wikis, indicating a wide range of usage contexts. While it's generally grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's important to consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended message. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "voice your opinion" or "express your views" in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voice your opinion

More formal and emphasizes expressing a viewpoint.

express your views

Similar to voicing an opinion, but focuses on sharing beliefs.

express yourself freely

Highlights the importance of expressing oneself in an uninhibited way.

make your voice heard

Implies a need to overcome obstacles in expressing oneself.

state your position

Focuses on clarifying one's stance on a particular issue.

say what's on your mind

More informal and direct, suggesting unfiltered expression.

air your grievances

Specifically refers to expressing complaints or dissatisfaction.

make your feelings known

Emphasizes the expression of emotions.

put forward your ideas

Highlights the act of proposing or presenting new thoughts.

share your thoughts

A more general and less forceful way of suggesting expression.

FAQs

How do you use "speak out" in a sentence?

Use "speak out" to describe expressing an opinion or belief, often publicly and with conviction. For instance, "She decided to "speak out" against the new policy".

What can I say instead of "speak out"?

You can use alternatives like "voice your opinion", "express your views", or "make your voice heard" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "speak out"?

It's appropriate to use "speak out" when someone is expressing their views publicly, especially on a matter of importance or controversy. It often implies courage and conviction in sharing one's beliefs.

What's the difference between "speak out" and "speak up"?

"Speak out" often implies expressing opinions on a public issue or a matter of importance, while "speak up" generally means to speak more loudly or to contribute to a conversation.