upon speaking with

USAGE SUMMARY

"upon speaking with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a conversation between two people. For example, "Upon speaking with John, I learned that he had already finished the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Note: TA and RA opportunities are offered to graduate students already at Duke, since both opportunities depend upon speaking with the professor or GPC directly.

Duke University

Upon speaking with an immigration lawyer, my sister and I were informed that we were no longer part of the family application.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Other teacher friends that I've spoken with had similar experiences upon first entering their schools.

The New York Times

It projects confidence on your end while making the person you're speaking with feel that they are interesting enough to gaze upon.

WikiHow

Introduction to Bengali : a basic course in spoken Bengali, with emphasis upon speaking and understanding the language.

University of Chicago

Such a travelling carriage being prepared for Themistocles, they hid him in it, and carried him on his journey, and told those whom they met or spoke with upon the road that they were conveying a young Greek woman out of Ionia to a nobleman at court.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Regardless, Dr. Stegeman observed a fairly typical day in our class and upon the conclusion I spoke with him about his experience.

Huffington Post

Strawberry, who has told prison officials that he does not want to speak with reporters upon his release, will depart with no legal restrictions.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither Mr. Gomes (pronounced GOHMZ) nor Mr. Carter spoke with reporters upon their arrival, and it was unclear if or when either man would share details of Mr. Gomes's detainment and release.

The New York Times

He spoke with Mario Balotelli upon the striker's return to the pitch after the final whistle – the 21-year-old had initially gone straight down the tunnel, shoving an official aside, at 90 minutes – and urged the player to learn from this chastening experience.

The Guardian - Sport

Lynn said he spoke with Barksdale upon returning from Pittsburgh on Monday.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon speaking with" to add a touch of formality to your writing, especially when describing a significant interaction that led to a decision or realization.

Common error

Avoid using "upon speaking with" in very casual contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "after talking to" or "when I spoke with" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon speaking with" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a circumstance or condition that leads to a subsequent action or realization. Ludwig examples show how it sets the stage for what followed the conversation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon speaking with" serves as a formal prepositional phrase, used to introduce a situation that follows a conversation. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct. Although the examples are limited, suggesting a rare usage, it appears most frequently in academic and news contexts. When using it, consider if a more straightforward alternative like "after talking with" may be more appropriate. The expert analysis rates the phrase as grammatically sound with appropriate usage, with a slight deduction for the fact that is not a very common choice in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after talking with

This alternative is more direct and less formal.

following a conversation with

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the conversation aspect.

after consulting with

This alternative implies seeking advice or information.

having discussed with

This alternative emphasizes the act of having a discussion.

once I spoke to

This alternative is less formal and uses a different grammatical structure.

after a word with

This alternative suggests a brief conversation.

in conversation with

This alternative focuses on the state of being in a conversation.

through dialogue with

This alternative emphasizes the exchange of ideas.

via discussions with

This alternative highlights the method of communication.

communicating with

This alternative is a broader term encompassing various forms of communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "upon speaking with" to introduce an action or realization that follows a conversation, such as "Upon speaking with the manager, I understood the company's direction".

What are some alternatives to "upon speaking with"?

Alternatives include "after talking with", "following a conversation with", or "after consulting with", depending on the context.

Is "upon speaking with" formal or informal?

"Upon speaking with" tends to be more formal. In informal settings, consider using "after talking to" or "when I spoke with".

When is it appropriate to use "upon speaking with"?

It is most appropriate in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the significance of the conversation that occurred. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be more suitable.