speak overtly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak overtly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone is communicating in a clear and direct manner, without any hidden meanings or subtext. Example: "During the meeting, she chose to speak overtly about her concerns regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As his work proceeded Carnap tended to explain probabilities by reference to events and propositions rather than speak overtly about sentences.

SEP

After all, if an institution wished to be recognized as a member of the most prestigious group of "pure" national liberal arts colleges, it could not speak overtly of its "professional" programs or even of the ways in which it prepares students to succeed in a professional setting.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Practically nothing in his music speaks overtly to the Judaism of his birth, save for a few striking examples pointed out by scholars.

The New York Times - Arts

But they belittled much of the other evidence and sought to distance their clients from Mr. Batiste, who is heard on wiretaps speaking overtly about waging a war in the United States.

The New York Times

The legitimized violence of law enforcement is far harsher and less idealistic — or, so to speak, less overtly liberal — than education and social work, but it's inseparable from them.

The New Yorker

Perhaps this is related to contributing factors such as peer pressure, the hierarchical structure of training, or the reluctance of these residents to speak out overtly.

BMC Medical Education

They believed that going beyond this to talk overtly about their emotions with oncologists was unnecessary, inappropriate or unhelpful, and they spoke of the value of having boundaries in their relationships with oncologists.

British Journal of Cancer

He's not overtly partisan; the issues speak for themselves.

Forbes

She continues to speak out, despite being followed and overtly threatened.

Huffington Post

It's the same story with accusing President Obama of being unAmerican or a socialist – racist groups pick up on this as further evidence they speak for those who are afraid to be overtly racist.

The Guardian - Opinion

She does not overtly judge — especially human cruelty — but allows human encounters to speak for themselves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speak overtly" when you want to emphasize that someone is being direct and leaving no room for misinterpretation. This phrase works well in contexts where clarity is crucial, such as academic discussions or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "speak overtly" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "communicate openly" or "express clearly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak overtly" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "speak" is the verb indicating the action of communicating, and "overtly" is an adverb modifying the verb, specifying the manner of speaking. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speak overtly" means to communicate directly and without hidden meanings. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct, though its usage is relatively rare. The phrase is most often found in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, use "speak overtly" to emphasize clarity and transparency in communication, but be mindful of overusing it. Consider alternatives like "communicate openly" or "express clearly" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communicate openly

Emphasizes the transparency and lack of hidden agendas in the communication.

express clearly

Focuses on the ease with which the message is understood.

state explicitly

Highlights the unambiguous nature of the declaration.

articulate plainly

Stresses the simplicity and directness of the expression.

declare openly

Focuses on the public and unreserved nature of the statement.

divulge directly

Emphasizes the straightforward revealing of information.

profess candidly

Highlights the sincerity and honesty of the avowal.

announce frankly

Stresses the straightforward and honest nature of the announcement.

mention overtly

Focuses on the undisguised and apparent nature of the mentioning.

voice distinctly

Emphasizes the clear and unmistakable expression of an opinion or feeling.

FAQs

What does "speak overtly" mean?

The phrase "speak overtly" means to communicate something in a direct, open, and undisguised manner, leaving no room for ambiguity or hidden meanings. It emphasizes clarity and straightforwardness in expression.

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

You can use "speak overtly" to describe someone's communication style when they are being very clear and direct. For example, "During the negotiation, she chose to "communicate openly" about her concerns."

What are some alternatives to "speak overtly"?

Some alternatives to "speak overtly" include "express clearly", "state explicitly", or "articulate plainly". These phrases convey a similar meaning of direct and unambiguous communication.

Is it better to "speak overtly" or be more subtle in communication?

Whether it's better to "speak overtly" or be more subtle depends on the context and your audience. In situations requiring clarity and transparency, like formal discussions or negotiations, speaking overtly is often more effective. However, in some social situations, a more subtle approach may be preferable to avoid causing offense.