speaking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speaking about" is correct in written English and can be used in any context to introduce a related topic.
For example, "Speaking about the weather, it has been unusually cold this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

What children is Millar speaking about?

The Guardian - Opinion

"They said I was speaking about things I should not be speaking about... insulting national symbols.

The Guardian

Already Helen was speaking about eternity.

The New Yorker

He was speaking about struggling companies.

The Economist

You're speaking about part of yourself.

The New York Times

They were speaking about kidney function.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Or speak about talking.

Independent

It wasn't spoken about".

The New York Times

Bernstein then spoke about collaboration.

The New York Times - Arts

It has not been spoken about enough.

Unicef

Nobody speaks about it".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "speaking about", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Directly state the topic you are addressing to maintain clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "speaking about" when the intention is to provide an exhaustive analysis. This phrase often implies a more casual or introductory level of discussion. For in-depth analyses, consider using phrases like "analyzing", "examining" or "exploring".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking about" functions as a transitional phrase, often used to introduce a topic or shift the conversation to a related subject. It signals to the listener or reader the focus of the subsequent statements. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its role in setting the context for discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

7%

Unknown

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speaking about" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a topic or shift focus in both formal and informal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a transitional element, guiding the audience toward the intended subject. Its frequency is common across various domains, including news, academia, and business. While generally neutral, writers should be mindful of using more precise alternatives like "discussing" or "addressing" for more formal or in-depth contexts. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "speaking about" to enhance clarity and coherence in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talking about

A more general and informal term for discussing a topic.

discussing

Focuses on a more in-depth conversation or deliberation.

addressing

Implies a formal or direct engagement with a subject.

commenting on

Suggests offering an opinion or remark about a specific issue.

referring to

Indicates pointing out or alluding to something.

mentioning

A simple way of indicating that a topic has been brought up.

expounding on

Suggests explaining something in detail.

elaborating on

Indicates providing more details or clarification.

touching on

Suggests briefly addressing a topic without going into detail.

going over

Implies reviewing or examining a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "speaking about" in a sentence?

You can use "speaking about" to introduce a topic you're going to discuss. For example, "Speaking about the new project, when is the deadline?"

What are some alternatives to "speaking about"?

Alternatives include "talking about", "discussing", or "addressing", depending on the context.

Is "speaking about" formal or informal?

"Speaking about" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, alternatives like "addressing" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "speaking about" and "discussing"?

"Speaking about" is often used to introduce a topic, while "discussing" implies a more in-depth conversation or analysis.