speaking of that

USAGE SUMMARY

"speaking of that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when transitioning to a new topic, or when referring back to something that has already been discussed. For example: "I recently watched the new Marvel movie, it was really funny. Speaking of that, have you seen it yet?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He died still speaking of that quest.

The New York Times

When critics speak of a poet's "voice," a personal tone, they are also speaking of that poet's prosodic style.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Get away from me! And, speaking of that, do you have any idea what I pay for health insurance?

The New Yorker

"When speaking of that tragic day 12 years ago, it is often said, 'We will never forget,'" Mr. Fisher said.

The New York Times

And speaking of that walking-away: Watterson dispels and clears up rumors that arose around his departure.

The Washington Post

And, speaking of that, he had read that Marlon Brando was in town, and longed to meet him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The first half, well, let's not speak of that.

The Guardian - Sport

Ryan also has "angry sex" with Sue Sylvester along the way, but let's not speak of that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But I won't speak of that.

Forbes

"I still get goosebumps when I speak of that.

BBC

I speak of that great house.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "speaking of that" with a brief summary of the initial topic to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "speaking of that" to introduce completely unrelated topics, as this can disrupt the flow and confuse your audience. Ensure the new topic has a clear connection to the previous one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking of that" functions as a transitional phrase, primarily used to introduce a related topic or to circle back to a previously mentioned subject. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in facilitating topic shifts within a conversation or text.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speaking of that" serves as a useful transitional phrase to connect related topics, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for neutral to slightly informal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure a clear connection between the topics to maintain coherence. If a more formal tone is needed, alternatives like "regarding that" or "with respect to that" may be preferred. Remember to avoid abrupt shifts to unrelated subjects when using "speaking of that" to maintain clarity and logical flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on that note

Changes the tone to a more conclusive transition.

regarding that

More formal and specific, used to refer back to a particular topic.

concerning that

Formal and direct, used to introduce details related to something already discussed.

in relation to that

Similar to 'regarding that' but slightly broader in scope.

as for that

Shifts focus to a specific item previously mentioned.

with respect to that

Highly formal and often used in legal or academic contexts.

on a similar subject

Broader transition to a related subject area.

that reminds me

Used to introduce a related but potentially tangential topic.

touching on that

Used to briefly address a related point.

that being said

Introduces a contrasting or qualifying statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "speaking of that" to smoothly transition to a related topic. For example, "We were just discussing project timelines; "speaking of that", has everyone submitted their progress reports?"

What are some alternatives to "speaking of that"?

Alternatives include "on that note", "regarding that", or "that reminds me", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "speaking of that" in writing?

"Speaking of that" is appropriate when you want to introduce a topic that is related to what you were just discussing, but is not a direct continuation of it. It helps maintain a conversational tone in writing.

Is "speaking of that" considered formal or informal?

"Speaking of that" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly informal. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives like "with respect to that" or "concerning that" may be preferred in highly formal settings.