speaking on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speaking on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a topic or subject that someone is discussing or addressing. Example: "Speaking on the importance of mental health, the speaker emphasized the need for open conversations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

("I'm octotasking," said one, speaking on the phone).

The New York Times - Magazine

And I was speaking on something else.

The New York Times

We were speaking on the phone.

The New Yorker

I'm speaking on behalf of myself.

The New York Times

Soon, May was speaking on women's issues.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leadsom was speaking on the Today programme.

The Guardian - Business

He was, remember, speaking on radio.

The New York Times

Obama is speaking on a significant date.

The New York Times

Mr. McConnell, speaking on "Fox News Sunday," dismissed the comparison.

The New York Times

A senior Mexican official, speaking on condition of anonymity, agreed.

The New York Times

He was speaking on the ABC News program "This Week".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "speaking on", ensure the context clearly indicates the topic being discussed to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "She was speaking on the impact of climate change" is more precise than simply "She was speaking on stage".

Common error

Avoid using "speaking on" when you mean to describe the physical location or platform where someone is speaking. For example, instead of saying "He was speaking on the radio about the new policy", it's better to say "He was speaking on the radio show about the new policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking on" functions as a verb phrase with a preposition, indicating the action of delivering information or expressing thoughts about a specific topic. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speaking on" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate the act of addressing a specific topic. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "addressing" or "discussing" exist, "speaking on" maintains its relevance due to its neutral register and clear communicative purpose. When using this phrase, ensuring the topic is clearly defined helps avoid ambiguity and enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

addressing

Focuses on formally dealing with a specific topic.

discussing

Implies a more in-depth conversation or analysis of a subject.

talking about

A more general and informal way to describe discussing a subject.

commenting on

Highlights the act of offering opinions or remarks about a topic.

remarking on

Similar to commenting, but can be more casual or spontaneous.

presenting on

Suggests a formal delivery of information, often in front of an audience.

elaborating on

Focuses on providing more information and detail about a specific point.

lecturing on

Indicates a formal teaching or educational context.

opining on

Highlights the expression of a personal opinion or belief.

expounding on

Implies explaining a topic in great detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "speaking on" to indicate the topic someone is addressing. For example, "The professor was speaking on the history of ancient Rome".

What are some alternatives to "speaking on"?

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

Is there a difference between "speaking on" and "speaking about"?

While similar, "speaking on" often implies a more formal or structured presentation, whereas "speaking about" can be more general. For example, "He is speaking on climate change at the conference" versus "He is speaking about his experiences in Africa".

Can "speaking on" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "speaking on" is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal situations, though it is slightly more common in professional and news-related contexts.