speaking out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speaking out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to expressing one's opinions or concerns publicly, often about social or political issues. Example: "Many activists are speaking out against climate change to raise awareness and encourage action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I have to start speaking out".

The New Yorker

Some are receiving threats for speaking out".

The New Yorker

Practice speaking (out loud) before noon.

The New Yorker

"I am speaking out for my children.

The Guardian

No politician is speaking out about this.

The New York Times

But I don't regret speaking out.

The Guardian

It's hard speaking out about these things.

The Guardian - Books

Politicians feared speaking out on safety grounds.

The New York Times

Q: Are Egypt's scientists speaking out?

Science Magazine

He's speaking out again.

Huffington Post

"Victims were not speaking out".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speaking out" when you want to emphasize the act of publicly expressing an opinion or concern, especially on matters of social or political significance. It often carries a connotation of courage or taking a risk.

Common error

Avoid using "speaking out" in casual conversations where simpler phrases like "expressing your opinion" or "sharing your thoughts" would be more appropriate. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the act of speaking carries more weight or significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking out" functions primarily as a verbal noun (gerund) or as part of a continuous verb tense. It denotes the action of publicly expressing one's opinions or concerns, often in opposition to something or in support of a cause. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speaking out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb denoting the act of publicly expressing one's opinions or concerns, particularly on significant social or political matters. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from formal news reports to informal online discussions. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios where the act of speaking holds substantial weight. Alternatives such as "voicing opinions" or "expressing views" may be more suitable in casual contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, underlining its importance in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voicing opinions

Focuses on the expression of personal beliefs or judgments.

expressing views

Emphasizes the communication of a particular perspective.

making one's voice heard

Highlights the act of ensuring that one's opinion is acknowledged.

publicly advocating

Implies active support for a cause or idea in a public setting.

taking a stand

Suggests a firm and often confrontational declaration of belief.

breaking silence

Implies an initial hesitation or fear that's overcome to express an opinion.

raising awareness

Focuses on bringing attention to a specific issue or cause.

going on record

Signifies making an official or public statement.

declaring openly

Highlights the lack of reservation or secrecy in one's declaration.

airing grievances

Specifically refers to expressing complaints or sources of discontent.

FAQs

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

You can use "speaking out" to describe someone expressing their opinion publicly, especially on a controversial issue. For example: "Many activists are "speaking out" against the new policy."

What's a good alternative to "speaking out"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "speaking out" include "voicing opinions", "expressing views", or "making one's voice heard".

Is it better to say "speak out" or "speaking out"?

The choice between "speak out" and "speaking out" depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence. "Speak out" is used as an imperative verb (e.g., "Speak out against injustice"), while "speaking out" is used as a gerund or participle (e.g., "Speaking out is important").

What are the potential consequences of "speaking out"?

While "speaking out" can be empowering and lead to positive change, it can also have negative consequences, such as facing criticism, backlash, or even threats, as some examples in Ludwig show.