speak up

USAGE SUMMARY

"speak up" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to encourage someone to speak louder, more clearly, or more confidently. Example: "I can barely hear you; speak up, please."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Speak up (kindly)!

The New York Times

Please, speak up.

The New York Times

Speak up, Mr. President!

The New Yorker

Speak up below.

The New York Times

But did they speak up?

The Guardian - Opinion

People have to speak up".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Still, nobody speaks up.

The Economist

A woman spoke up.

The New York Times

The table spoke up.

The New York Times

Nettie speaks up unexpectedly.

The New Yorker

The salt speaks up plenty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "speak up" due to low volume, consider adding a polite phrase like "please" or "if you don't mind" to soften the request.

Common error

Be mindful of your tone when using "speak up". In some contexts, it can sound demanding or impatient. Opt for gentler phrasing if you want to avoid conveying frustration.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "speak up" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to either increase their volume or to express their thoughts or opinions more openly. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to encourage clearer communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

33%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "speak up" is a common and versatile expression with two main uses: requesting someone to talk louder and encouraging them to express their opinions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to be mindful of potential connotations of impatience. Synonyms like "voice your opinion" or "make yourself heard" can offer more nuanced alternatives. With a prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources, "speak up" serves as a practical tool for effective communication in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talk louder

A simpler and more direct way of asking someone to increase their volume.

make yourself heard

Emphasizes the act of ensuring your voice is received and understood.

be more audible

Directly addresses the need to be heard more easily.

voice your opinion

Focuses on expressing an opinion rather than simply being louder.

raise your voice

Suggests increasing volume, potentially in protest or emphasis.

state your views

Focuses on expressing viewpoints, opinions or beliefs.

express yourself clearly

Highlights clarity of expression, rather than just volume.

articulate your thoughts

Highlights the clarity and precision in expressing one's thoughts.

assert yourself

Implies speaking with confidence and authority.

don't be silent

Emphasizes the importance of voicing concerns or opinions, especially in situations where one might be hesitant to do so.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to "speak up"?

You can use phrases like "Could you please speak up a bit?", "I'm having trouble hearing you, could you speak up?", or "Would you mind speaking a little louder?". Adding "please" or phrasing it as a question makes the request more courteous.

What does it mean to "speak up" in a social context?

In a social context, "speak up" often means to voice your opinion, share your thoughts, or advocate for something you believe in. It encourages participation and open communication.

Is it better to "speak up" or remain silent when witnessing injustice?

Generally, it's considered better to "speak up" against injustice. Remaining silent can be interpreted as condoning the behavior. However, assess the situation and ensure your safety before intervening.

What are some synonyms for "speak up" that I can use in formal writing?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "articulate", "express", "state", or "voice your opinion". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.