speaking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral. Used across all registers from informal conversation to formal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “speaking” mean?
The action of uttering words to convey information, opinions, or feelings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of uttering words to convey information, opinions, or feelings.
The ability or act of talking in a specified way, or used to describe someone's skill in spoken communication (e.g., public speaking). Also used to specify a language used in communication (e.g., French-speaking region).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slight preference in the UK for 'speaking' in formal titles (e.g., 'Speaking and Listening' in the national curriculum). In the US, 'public speaking' is a very common term.
Connotations
Generally identical. 'Plain speaking' implies honesty in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “speaking” in a Sentence
[speak] + [to/with] + [person/audience][speak] + [about/on] + [topic][speak] + [language]adj + [speaking] (e.g., smooth-speaking)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speaking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was speaking on the phone for an hour.
- He isn't speaking to his neighbour after the dispute.
American English
- She's speaking at the conference next week.
- We were just speaking about that movie.
adverb
British English
- Generally speaking, the weather is milder in the south.
- Strictly speaking, that's not the correct procedure.
American English
- Practically speaking, we don't have the budget for it.
- Roughly speaking, the project will take six months.
adjective
British English
- She comes from a Welsh-speaking family.
- He has a very clear speaking voice.
American English
- The city has a large Spanish-speaking population.
- He took a public speaking course to build confidence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for presentations, negotiations, and client meetings.
Academic
Key for seminars, lectures, and oral examinations.
Everyday
Fundamental for all social interaction and conversation.
Technical
In phonetics/linguistics, refers to the physiological and phonological act of producing speech.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speaking”
- Incorrect: 'I am good in speaking.' Correct: 'I am good at speaking.'
- Incorrect: 'My speaking English is poor.' Correct: 'My spoken English is poor.' or 'My English speaking is poor.'
- Confusing 'speaking' (activity) with 'speech' (formal talk or faculty).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Speaking' often implies a more formal, one-way, or skilled act of communication (e.g., public speaking, speaking a language). 'Talking' is generally more informal and implies a two-way conversation.
Yes, as a gerund (verbal noun). Example: 'Speaking is harder than listening for some learners.'
The present participle 'speaking' is used attributively (e.g., a speaking part, a speaking tour) or in compounds (e.g., English-speaking). The past participle 'spoken' is also used as an adjective (e.g., spoken word, a spoken agreement).
Both are correct. 'Speak to' is more common in UK English and can imply giving information or a mild reprimand. 'Speak with' is more common in US English and often emphasizes a two-way conversation. The difference is very subtle.
The action of uttering words to convey information, opinions, or feelings.
Speaking is usually neutral. used across all registers from informal conversation to formal contexts. in register.
Speaking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspiːkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspikɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on speaking terms”
- “speaking of which...”
- “so to speak”
- “actions speak louder than words”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPEAKER at a conference – they are SPEAKING.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEAKING IS SENDING (e.g., 'Get your point across'), SPEAKING IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'He rambled on'), IDEAS ARE FOOD (e.g., 'She devoured the lecture').
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase uses 'speaking' as an adjective?