Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

take a speaking

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a speaking" is not correct in standard written English.
It is unclear and does not convey a specific meaning in English. Example: "I would like to take a speaking opportunity at the conference."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The rules of the Times allow him to take a speaking fee only from nonprofit organizations; he usually speaks for free, but can ask for tens of thousands of dollars.

News & Media

The New Yorker

He passed up a tryout with the CBA's Connecticut Pride to take a speaking role in the made-for-television film Passing Glory (which James directed), but later admitted that he regretted the decision.

However, candidates still have to take a speaking and listening assessment and the results of this will be reported alongside a student's final result using grades 1-5.

News & Media

BBC

It has, however, inspired the usually silent Teller (of Penn and Teller) to take a speaking cameo.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And I think that's where we measure people, not because somebody took a speaking fee".

News & Media

Huffington Post

She also took a speaking fee from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a nonprofit that's defended forced sterilization for transgender people and has been dubbed a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

News & Media

Huffington Post

For example, if you are afraid of speaking in public, plan to take a public speaking course.

If you have the money and the time, take a public speaking class.

News & Media

Forbes

When leaders reward and recognize employees who take a risk, speak their mind or suggest a new idea, it builds confidence in the entire workforce.

News & Media

Forbes

"They say they are the best Belgium team in history so to come here and take a point speaks volumes for our players.

News & Media

BBC

If you are uncomfortable with public speaking, consider taking a public speaking class to boost your confidence.

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "take a speaking", opt for clearer and more common phrases like "give a speech" or "deliver a talk" to ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "take" with nouns related to speaking engagements. It's more appropriate to use verbs like "give", "deliver", or "make" when referring to speeches or presentations.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a speaking" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates that it is not correct. The correct usage involves verbs like 'give', 'deliver', or 'make' in combination with nouns such as 'speech' or 'presentation'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take a speaking" is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. To communicate effectively, replace it with more appropriate alternatives such as "give a speech", "deliver a talk", or "make a presentation". These alternatives ensure clarity and adhere to standard English grammar. The sources where this phrase appears are diverse, but the underlying grammatical issue remains consistent.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "take a speaking"?

Instead of "take a speaking", use alternatives like "give a speech", "deliver a talk", or "make a presentation".

How can I use "give a speech" correctly in a sentence?

You can say, "The president will give a speech tomorrow" or "She was invited to give a speech at the conference".

Is "take a speaking engagement" a correct phrase?

While not entirely incorrect, it's less common and less idiomatic than "accept a speaking engagement" or "secure a speaking engagement". Using "accept a speaking engagement" emphasizes agreement to participate.

What is the difference between "give a speech" and "deliver a talk"?

While similar, "give a speech" typically refers to a more formal or prepared address, while "deliver a talk" can be more informal or conversational.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: