when speaking of

USAGE SUMMARY

"when speaking of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something which is the subject of a conversation or discussion. For example, "When speaking of climate change, it is important to understand the science behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When speaking of confidentiality, Mr. Cuban was crystal clear.

The New York Times

"Hanged, my darling, when speaking of a lady".

The New York Times

When speaking of the long-term fight against AIDS, Haseltine spoke in terms of decades.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The tone of his voice when speaking of his children was his only sign of emotion.

The New Yorker

He was never anything less than admiringly deferential when speaking of Farina.

The New Yorker

We use the phrase metaphorically now, especially when speaking of politics.

The New York Times

Yet, curiously, Kohen breaks with her bring-it-on enthusiasm when speaking of Silverman.

The New York Times - Books

It lent him authority when speaking of ARVs, the drugs that keep him alive and healthy.

The Economist

Tough and direct, Mikhnyuk became emotional when speaking of the lessons of Maidan.

The New Yorker

He smiled when speaking of his new wife, Arystela Rosa, 31, pregnant with his seventh child.

The New York Times

Humphrys swiftly moved on to the use of the present tense when speaking of history.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when speaking of" to smoothly transition into a specific topic, ensuring it's relevant to the broader context of your writing or conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "when speaking of" in very casual conversations; simpler alternatives like "talking about" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when speaking of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a specific topic or subject. It sets the context for what is about to be discussed, similar to how a relative clause would. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase connects the act of speaking to the subject being spoken about.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

19%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when speaking of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a specific topic within a broader context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, especially in News & Media. While suitable for formal settings, it can be replaced with more casual alternatives like "talking about" in informal conversations. Remember to use this phrase to smoothly transition your audience into a relevant subject matter. It is essential to keep the phrase's intended function clear, as Ludwig's analysis suggests its purpose is to guide the discussion to a focal point effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when discussing

Similar in structure but uses 'discussing' to emphasize an active dialogue.

on the subject of

Directly indicates the topic that will be discussed.

regarding

Focuses more directly on the subject itself, often in a more formal context.

talking about

More informal and conversational than "when speaking of".

concerning

Similar to 'regarding' but can also imply a sense of worry or importance about the topic.

with respect to

Introduces a specific aspect or consideration related to the main topic.

in relation to

Highlights the connection or association between the topic and something else.

with regard to

Similar to 'with respect to', providing a formal transition into a specific topic area.

in the context of

Frames the discussion within a particular situation or framework.

in reference to

Indicates that the discussion is directly linked to a specific source or item.

FAQs

How can I use "when speaking of" in a sentence?

Use "when speaking of" to introduce a specific topic within a broader discussion. For example, "When speaking of climate change, renewable energy sources are essential".

What are some alternatives to "when speaking of"?

Alternatives include "regarding", "concerning", or "on the subject of", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "when speaking of" formal or informal?

"When speaking of" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for both written and spoken contexts, but may be replaced with more casual alternatives in informal settings.

How does "when speaking of" differ from "talking about"?

"When speaking of" is more formal and often used to introduce a more structured discussion, whereas "talking about" is more casual and conversational.