speaking openly

USAGE SUMMARY

"speaking openly" is an acceptable phrase in both written and spoken English.
It implies that the speaker is being open and honest. For example: "I'm speaking openly here, but I think this plan needs more work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She is also speaking openly and passionately for herself.

The Guardian - Books

Cramblett recalls hearing members of her family speaking "openly and derisively about persons of color".

The New Yorker

That confidentiality, Mr. Goldberg writes, prevented some crew members from speaking openly about the shooting.

The New York Times

Some had qualms about speaking openly in front of such a large group, fearing internal leaks.

The New York Times

And drug company officials were speaking openly and optimistically about the prospect of a deal.

The New York Times

Mrs. Merkel was adamant about speaking openly about human rights violations in Russia.

The New York Times

Ms. Greenwood, 33, is one of the few Dunbar Village residents speaking openly about the attacks.

The New York Times

Fear of speaking openly hinders discussion of the crisis, say campaigners.

The Guardian

But by speaking openly about interrogation policy, he may be trying to discourage additional investigations.

The New York Times

"Now in the lower ranks you hear people speaking openly about their dissent".

The Guardian

By speaking openly about the paranoia which threatened to curtail his career, he has turned weakness into strength.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speaking openly" to signal honesty and transparency, especially when discussing sensitive or controversial topics.

Common error

Avoid beginning sentences with "speaking openly" if it doesn't add substantive meaning. Often, the statement is stronger without the introductory phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking openly" functions as a gerund phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb, describing how someone is communicating. It indicates a manner of communication characterized by honesty and lack of reserve, as Ludwig examples illustrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speaking openly" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe communication characterized by honesty and transparency. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure it adds meaningful emphasis to the communication. Alternatives such as "speaking candidly" or "speaking frankly" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, enhancing precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speaking candidly

Emphasizes honesty and sincerity in communication.

speaking frankly

Highlights straightforwardness and lack of reservation.

speaking freely

Indicates the absence of constraints or censorship.

speaking honestly

Focuses on truthfulness and integrity in expression.

speaking plainly

Suggests clarity and simplicity in communication, avoiding jargon or ambiguity.

speaking directly

Implies a lack of evasion or indirectness.

speaking explicitly

Highlights clarity and precision in conveying information.

speaking forthrightly

Conveys a sense of boldness and directness, often in challenging situations.

addressing openly

Shifts focus to the act of addressing a topic or audience with transparency.

expressing openly

Broader term encompassing the outward articulation of thoughts and feelings.

FAQs

What does "speaking openly" mean?

The phrase "speaking openly" means to communicate in a candid, frank, and honest manner, without holding back or concealing information.

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

You can use "speaking openly" to describe someone's communication style, such as, "She is known for "speaking openly" about her experiences."

What can I say instead of "speaking openly"?

You can use alternatives like "speaking candidly", "speaking frankly", or "speaking freely" depending on the context.

Is "speaking openly" formal or informal?

"Speaking openly" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.