speaking up

USAGE SUMMARY

'speaking up' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase 'speaking up' to emphasize when someone expresses an opinion or ideas that they feel strongly about, often in a group setting. For example: "John has been more confident in class since he started speaking up about his ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So I'm speaking up.

The New York Times

"It means speaking up".

The New York Times

So speaking up is certainly permissible.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were speaking up to the government".

The Economist

"No," Walter says, speaking up now.

The New Yorker

But speaking up is hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or speaking up for basic human rights?

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm proud of her for speaking up".

The Guardian - Business

He started speaking up, and writing.

The New Yorker

Worth defending and speaking up for.

The Guardian

For Saffaa, speaking up has its costs.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speaking up" when you want to emphasize the act of expressing an opinion or idea, especially in a situation where it might be difficult or challenging to do so.

Common error

Avoid using "speaking up" in situations where a more neutral term like "commenting" or "participating" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking up" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the action of expressing oneself, particularly when facing potential opposition or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speaking up" functions as a gerund phrase that emphasizes the act of expressing oneself, particularly when facing opposition or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and very common across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki. While versatile, it is important to consider the context and choose more neutral alternatives when appropriate. To enhance your writing, use "speaking up" to highlight courage and conviction in expressing opinions, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speaking out

Similar to "speaking up" but often implies opposition or disagreement.

voicing opinions

Emphasizes the act of expressing one's thoughts or beliefs, particularly in a formal setting.

expressing views

Focuses on communicating a particular perspective or opinion.

making your voice heard

Highlights the effort to ensure one's opinion is acknowledged and considered.

raising concerns

Specifically refers to expressing worries or issues that need attention.

contributing to the discussion

Focuses on participating in a conversation or debate.

offering input

Suggests providing ideas or feedback.

giving your perspective

Emphasizes sharing one's individual viewpoint.

expressing yourself

A broader term that encompasses various forms of self-expression, not just verbal communication.

articulating thoughts

Highlights the clarity and precision of expressing ideas.

FAQs

What does "speaking up" mean?

"Speaking up" means expressing your opinions or thoughts, especially when it might be difficult or challenging to do so. It often implies a sense of courage or conviction.

When is it appropriate to use "speaking up"?

It's appropriate to use "speaking up" when you want to highlight the act of expressing oneself, particularly in situations where there is a power dynamic, disagreement, or potential for negative consequences. It shows courage in "voicing opinions".

What are some alternatives to "speaking up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "voicing opinions", "expressing views", or "making your voice heard".

Is "speaking up" formal or informal?

"Speaking up" is generally considered to be neutral in formality. While suitable for many contexts, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives such as "articulating thoughts" or "offering input".