speaking with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speaking with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to indicate that someone is having a conversation or discussion with someone else. For example, "In our meeting, we will be speaking with the director about the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speaking with Valerie was like speaking with one of my best friends.

Huffington Post

I was speaking with them.

The New York Times

He was also, uncharacteristically, speaking with journalists.

The New York Times - Tech

She found herself speaking with the guards.

The New York Times - Magazine

You could try speaking with the manager.

The New York Times

After speaking with Francona, I called Gammons.

The New York Times

Looking forward to speaking with you.

The New York Times

He wasn't speaking with hate.

The New Yorker

(Chibeza retracted this after speaking with Hammer Simwinga).

The New Yorker

"We are currently speaking with people.

The Guardian

It is your spirit speaking with God".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more professional tone, consider replacing "speaking with" with alternatives like "consulting with" or "conferring with", especially in business contexts.

Common error

While "speaking with" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal documents can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your language by using more precise verbs like "discuss", "consult", or "address" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking with" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating an action of communication or conversation between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speaking with" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the act of communication between individuals. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted and used across a multitude of contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media, and Wiki, its applicability extends to Formal & Business settings, although with the caution to consider more formal alternatives for enhanced sophistication. This comprehensive guide provides insights into its usage, related phrases, common errors, and best practices, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talking to

This is a more informal and general alternative, suitable for everyday conversation.

discussing with

Focuses on the exchange of information and ideas about a specific topic.

in conversation with

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of being engaged in a conversation.

having a dialogue with

Emphasizes a two-way exchange of ideas and mutual understanding.

consulting with

This suggests seeking advice or guidance from someone.

conferring with

Implies a more formal discussion or meeting to exchange ideas or opinions.

corresponding with

This alternative suggests communicating through written correspondence, like letters or emails.

addressing

This alternative refers to talking about an issue.

conveying information to

Emphasizes the act of transmitting information to someone.

presenting to

This suggests a more formal setting where someone is presenting information to an audience.

FAQs

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

You can use "speaking with" to indicate a conversation or discussion, such as "I was "speaking with" the manager about the issue" or "We will be "speaking with" the team later today".

What are some alternatives to "speaking with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "talking to", "discussing with", "consulting with", or "conferring with".

Is "speaking with" more formal than "talking to"?

Generally, ""speaking with"" is considered slightly more formal than "talking to", though both are widely accepted in most contexts. The choice often depends on the desired tone and the audience.

When should I avoid using "speaking with"?

While ""speaking with"" is generally correct, avoid overusing it in very formal or academic writing. In those contexts, opt for more precise and sophisticated verbs like "discuss", "confer", or "address".