speak then

USAGE SUMMARY

"speak then" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that the speaker should go on and explain something. For example, "I don't understand your point. Speak then, so I can get a better understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speaking is the most basic part of fluency, because if you can't speak, then you can't communicate in the language, and so the purpose of the language is destroyed.

WikiHow

I liked watching her speak then.

The New York Times

They will, of course, speak then.

The New York Times

But it's a free world, if he wants to speak then he can speak.

Independent

" She waited for him to speak, then gave a twitch of her mouth.

The New York Times - Magazine

If we can speak, then maybe we, "the help," also notice uncomfortable truths.

The Washington Post

If for whatever reason they don't want me to speak, then whatever.

The Washington Post

Two or three times, he started to speak, then collapsed in guffaws.

The New Yorker

If I am paralysed and cannot speak, then what hope is there?

The Guardian

I think she thinks that we didn't actually speak then, but I remember saying something to her.

Independent

Christine waited for me to speak, then said, "You can't be a mother if you don't have kids".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speak then" to encourage someone to continue talking, especially when you expect further explanation or information. It implies a conditional situation where speech is awaited.

Common error

Avoid using "speak then" as a simple introductory phrase without a clear conditional or sequential relationship to the preceding context. Ensure there's a logical connection between the request to speak and the situation at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak then" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to articulate their thoughts or provide information, often within a conditional or sequential context. As supported by Ludwig, it encourages someone to express themselves, particularly when there is an anticipation of further explanation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speak then" is a grammatically correct phrase used to prompt someone to talk, often in a conditional or sequential context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to encourage someone to express their thoughts. While categorized as uncommon in frequency, it appears mainly in news and media, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure there is a logical connection to the previous statement to avoid awkwardness. Alternatives such as "go on, speak" or "continue speaking" can provide similar encouragement. Remember, the addition of "then" adds a temporal or conditional aspect to the request, differing from a simple command to speak. Overall, it's a useful phrase to invite contributions and seek further explanation, and according to Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples, it is often used in scenarios where further information is expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

then speak

Reverses the order of the words, maintaining the conditional prompt but with a slightly different emphasis.

go on, speak

Adds an encouraging tone, prompting the speaker to continue sharing information.

continue speaking

More directly asks the person to keep talking.

proceed to speak

A more formal way to request someone to begin speaking.

if you have something to say, speak

Emphasizes the condition of having something to say before speaking.

speak up then

Combines the request to speak with an implication to speak louder or more clearly.

if that's what you think, say it

Expresses a challenge to voice an opinion that may be hesitant.

tell me what you want to say

Shifts the focus to the listener's desire to hear something specific.

elaborate

A succinct way to ask for more details or explanation.

explain yourself

Asks for clarification or justification of a previous statement.

FAQs

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

Use "speak then" to prompt someone to continue talking, often implying a condition or expectation. For example, "If you have something to add, speak then."

What's a good alternative to "speak then" that still encourages someone to talk?

Consider using "go on, speak" or "continue speaking" as alternatives to "speak then" to invite someone to elaborate.

Is it ever incorrect to use "speak then"?

While grammatically sound, using "speak then" without a clear conditional context might sound awkward. Ensure the request to speak logically follows the previous statement. For example, it's better to say, "If you have a solution, speak then" than simply starting a conversation with "speak then."

How does "speak then" differ from simply saying "speak"?

"Speak then" implies a sequence or condition. "Speak" is a direct command, while "speak then" suggests, 'If this is the case, speak'. The addition of "then" adds a temporal or conditional aspect that "speak" alone lacks.