speaking of

USAGE SUMMARY

"speaking of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to connect two thoughts or topics, usually in a conversation, so it's usually used when you are writing dialogue. For example: "Speaking of the beach, I think I'll go there this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I am speaking of crooks.

The New York Times

I was speaking of — later.

The New Yorker

He is speaking of culture, not politics.

The Economist

He was not speaking of Haldeman.

The New York Times

I was speaking of him only yesterday.

The New Yorker

"We are speaking of the traditional family.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Speaks of Marshal Tito….

The New Yorker

They speak of permanence.

The New York Times - Arts

Speak of the devil.

The New York Times

She spoke of family.

The New York Times

Conservatives spoke of "Fauxcahontas".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speaking of" to create a smooth transition between related topics, especially in dialogues or informal writing. It signals to the reader that you are not entirely abandoning the previous subject but are building upon it.

Common error

Avoid using "speaking of" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "regarding", "concerning", or "with regard to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Speaking of serves as a transitional phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase, used to introduce a topic that is related to the previous one. Ludwig AI validates this use, showcasing how it smoothly connects related ideas within a discourse.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speaking of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to connect related topics in conversation and writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While it's generally neutral in register, remember to use more formal alternatives like "regarding" or "concerning" in academic or business settings. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "speaking of" to create smooth transitions and maintain coherence in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding

This is a more formal way to introduce a related topic.

concerning

Similar to 'regarding', but can also imply a sense of worry or importance.

with regard to

A more elaborate and formal version of 'regarding'.

in reference to

Implies a direct link to a previously mentioned subject.

on the subject of

A slightly more emphatic way to introduce a related topic.

talking about

More conversational and less formal than "speaking of".

as for

Often used to change the subject or introduce a new element.

that reminds me

Suggests a more tangential connection between topics.

apropos of

A somewhat archaic and formal way to introduce a related topic.

by the way

Used to introduce a new, somewhat related topic in a casual manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "speaking of" to transition to a related topic in a conversation or writing. For example, "We were just discussing vacation plans. "Speaking of vacation", have you booked your tickets yet?"

What can I say instead of "speaking of"?

You can use alternatives like "regarding", "concerning", or "in reference to" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "speaking of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "speaking of" is generally more suitable for informal conversations or writing. In formal contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "with regard to" or "on the subject of".

How does "speaking of" differ from "by the way"?

"Speaking of" connects to a previous topic, whereas "by the way" introduces a completely new, often unrelated topic in a casual manner.