speaking it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speaking it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of verbally expressing or articulating something, often in the context of language or communication. Example: "I find it challenging to express my thoughts clearly when speaking it in a foreign language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Formally speaking, it was.

The New York Times

Roughly speaking, it still is.

The Economist

Navigationally speaking, it was really pretty useless.

The New York Times

And, technologically speaking, it may be.

The New Yorker

Plainly speaking, it refused to die.

The New York Times - Magazine

Loosely speaking, it is a museum.

The New Yorker

Financially speaking, it can't be.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Strictly speaking, it still is".

The Guardian - Books

Strictly speaking, it was true.

The Guardian - Sport

And strictly speaking, it was.

The New York Times - Food

Abstractly speaking, it was elegant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "verbally expressing it" or "articulating it verbally" for greater precision or formality in your writing.

Common error

While "speaking it" is grammatically correct, it can sound informal in certain contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "articulating it" in academic or professional writing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking it" functions as a gerund phrase, where "speaking" is a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun) and "it" is a pronoun serving as the object of the gerund. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase appears in sentences where the act of verbally expressing something is being described or discussed. Ludwig AI validates that the expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speaking it" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to refer to the act of verbally expressing something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While understandable in various contexts, it tends to be more informal, making it suitable for general communication but potentially less appropriate for formal or academic writing. Alternatives such as "verbally expressing it" or "articulating it verbally" can provide a more polished tone in professional settings. The phrase's frequency is uncommon, appearing most often in news and media, science and wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verbally expressing it

Focuses on the act of expressing something through speech.

articulating it verbally

Highlights the clarity and precision of the spoken expression.

expressing it orally

Emphasizes the oral nature of the expression.

uttering it aloud

Stresses the audible nature of the spoken word.

voicing it

Simple and direct alternative for making something known through speech.

saying it out loud

Emphasizes the act of vocalizing a thought or idea that might have been unspoken before.

pronouncing it

Focuses specifically on the correct pronunciation of a word or phrase.

communicating it verbally

Highlights the act of conveying information through speech.

presenting it orally

Suggests a more formal setting where information is being delivered through speech.

delivering it vocally

Implies a planned and structured delivery of information through speaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "speaking it" to refer to the act of verbally expressing something. For example: "I find it challenging to express my thoughts clearly when "speaking it" in a foreign language".

What are some alternatives to "speaking it"?

Alternatives include "verbally expressing it", "articulating it verbally", or "expressing it orally". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "speaking it" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "speaking it" tends to be more informal. For formal contexts, consider using alternatives that convey a more polished or professional tone.

What does "speaking it fluently" mean?

"Speaking it fluently" refers to the ability to express oneself smoothly and accurately in a particular language or subject matter. It implies a high level of proficiency and ease of communication.