speak upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak upon" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing a topic or giving a speech about a specific subject, although "speak about" is more standard. Example: "During the conference, the expert will speak upon the latest developments in renewable energy."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Charlie Weis lets five of his Notre Dame assistants speak on designated days during the week, but not after games, while Cleveland Browns Coach Romeo Crennel lets his assistants speak, upon request.

The New York Times

As the Burundians wait for their president to speak upon his return to the country after a failed coup, people across Africa have responded by posting satirical photos of their hunt for him in weird and wonderful places.

BBC

"I struggled with how I, as a straight male, could genuinely speak upon this issue".

Huffington Post

However, media professionals of African-American descent increasingly find themselves in a position to speak upon race and culture in America at a seemingly accelerated rate due to the current political atmosphere, an atmosphere that has always existed yet is seldom admitted.  .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Yeah man we good mashallah," Mr. Tsarnaev wrote back, using an Arabic phrase often spoken upon hearing good news.

The New York Times

In the soliloquy, spoken upon his entrance in the second scene of King Lear, Edmund reflects upon being an illegitimate son.

The Guardian

He spoke upon returning from a 24-hour flight back from Shanghai, where he was making a good-will visit with the players association.

The New York Times - Sports

And it's as if the first words spoken upon the invention of photography, in 1839, were, 'Let's shoot some porno!' If there's a new technology available, you can rest assured that pornographers will be the first ones to find a way to make money with it.

Independent

Generally speaking, upon exposure to around 50 ppm (corresponding to about 40 μg/m3), NH3 is irritating to respiratory system, skin, and eyes and could cause acute poisoning or life-threatening situations [8 11].

Nanoscale Research Letters

The first word spoken upon my arrival to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Huffington Post

Other examples include Elendil's words spoken upon reaching Middle-earth, and repeated by Aragorn at his coronation: Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "speak about" or "discuss" to ensure clarity and avoid sounding overly formal. While "speak upon" isn't incorrect, its infrequent usage might draw unnecessary attention.

Common error

Avoid using "speak upon" in informal contexts or when simpler alternatives are available. Using it excessively can make your writing sound stilted and unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak upon" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of addressing or discussing a particular subject. It often implies a more formal or deliberate presentation, as evidenced by some of the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speak upon" is a phrasal verb that indicates a formal address or discussion of a topic. Although grammatically acceptable, it is less common than alternatives like "speak about" or "discuss", as Ludwig AI points out. The phrase is found primarily in news media, wiki, and scientific sources, suggesting a formal register. When writing, consider whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate to avoid sounding overly formal. The rarity of the phrase also impacts its perceived naturalness in everyday conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talk about

A simpler and more common alternative.

comment on

Replaces "speak" with a more direct term for offering opinions.

address

Formal alternative focusing on directly tackling a topic.

discuss

Emphasizes a conversational approach to the topic.

elaborate on

Focuses on expanding a point with details.

touch upon

Indicates briefly mentioning something during a speech.

express views on

Highlights the communication of personal viewpoints.

opine on

A more formal and sometimes archaic way to express an opinion.

offer insights on

Focuses on providing a deeper understanding of the topic.

present a discourse on

Elevates the context to a formal, structured presentation.

FAQs

What's a more common alternative to "speak upon"?

More common alternatives include "speak about", "discuss", or "comment on". These options are generally preferred for clarity and modern usage.

Is "speak upon" grammatically incorrect?

No, "speak upon" is not grammatically incorrect, but it is less frequently used than alternatives such as "speak about". Its usage is often perceived as more formal or archaic.

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

You can use "speak upon" when you want to emphasize a more formal or deliberate address of a topic. For example, "The professor will speak upon the ethical implications of artificial intelligence".

What's the difference between "speak upon" and "speak about"?

"Speak upon" and "speak about" are similar in meaning, but "speak upon" carries a slightly more formal or elevated tone. In most modern contexts, "speak about" is the preferred choice.