speak with him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak with him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to having a conversation or discussion with a male individual. Example: "I need to speak with him about the project updates before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I speak with Him every day," she says.

Huffington Post

"I didn't speak with him (Ferguson).

The New York Times

"We speak with him more," Nallet said.

The New York Times - Sports

But they wanted to speak with him.

The New York Times

She didn't speak with him.

The Washington Post

You can speak with him.

The New York Times

We must speak with him.

The Guardian - Sport

Hillary Clinton did not speak with him.

The Washington Post

"I will speak with him," Fassel said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

She needs to speak with him can he do that?

Vice

If you can't understand your ground guide, turn off the vehicle and speak with him/her.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "speak with him", ensure the context clearly indicates who "him" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, clarify the identity of the person before using the phrase in subsequent sentences.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "speak with him" in informal contexts can sound stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "talk to him" or "chat with him" in casual conversations to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak with him" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of engaging in conversation or communication with a male individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speak with him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the act of engaging in conversation with a male individual. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse scenarios. While alternatives like "talk to him" offer a more casual tone, "speak with him" remains a versatile and reliable choice. When using this phrase, clarity about the referent of "him" is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrasing aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talk to him

A more informal and direct synonym for having a conversation.

have a conversation with him

A more explicit and detailed way of saying "speak with him".

converse with him

A more formal and sophisticated way of saying "speak with him".

communicate with him

A broader term referring to any form of exchanging information.

have a word with him

Implies a brief conversation, often about something important.

chat with him

Suggests a casual and friendly conversation.

consult with him

Indicates seeking his advice or opinion on a matter.

discuss it with him

Focuses on the act of talking about a specific topic.

make contact with him

Emphasizes establishing communication, not necessarily a deep conversation.

reach out to him

Implies initiating contact, often after a period of no communication.

FAQs

What is a more casual alternative to "speak with him"?

A more casual alternative to "speak with him" is "talk to him". This phrase is suitable for everyday conversations and informal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "speak with him"?

"Speak with him" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when you want to convey the act of having a conversation or discussion with a male individual. The context often dictates whether a more formal phrase like "converse with him" or a more casual phrase like "chat with him" might be more fitting.

Is there a difference between "speak to him" and "speak with him"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "speak with him" implies a more reciprocal conversation, whereas "speak to him" can sometimes suggest a one-way communication. However, in many contexts, they are interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "I need to speak with him urgently"?

Depending on the urgency and context, you could say "I need to "talk to him" right away", "I must "reach out to him" immediately", or "I have to "have a word with him" urgently".