speak on vs speak about

Both 'speak on' and 'speak about' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Speak on' is more formal and is often used in professional or academic settings, while 'speak about' is more common in everyday conversations. The choice between the two depends on the formality of the situation.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 475 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal or professional contexts.

"speak on"

The phrase 'speak on' is used when referring to giving a speech, lecture, or presentation on a specific topic. It is more formal and is often used in academic or professional settings.

Examples:

He will speak on the importance of renewable energy at the conference.
The professor will speak on the impact of climate change on marine life.
She was invited to speak on leadership skills at the seminar.

Show examples from the web [+]

I should like to speak on two matters: the first concerns Lisbon.
We have someone who would like to speak on our behalf.
It is my duty to speak on their behalf.
The president has authorized me to speak on his behalf.
Ms. Taylor here has total authority to speak on his behalf.
No. But I can speak on his behalf.
She's offered to speak on our behalf.
Mr Salafranca wishes to speak on another matter.
Your request to speak on this point therefore cannot be accepted.
Mr President, as an Irish MEP, I hesitate to speak on this matter.
The President of the Commission, Mr Barroso, will speak on its behalf.
I understand that Members wish to speak on this matter.
The Church must speak on their behalf.
You must speak on their behalf.
We speak on the phone every night.
Kenneth Sperry will speak on Surveillance and The Law.
Can you speak on this side...
Never speak on my behalf about my business again.
Sir, if I may speak on their behalf...

Alternatives:

give a speech on
lecture on
present on
talk about
discuss

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday conversations.

"speak about"

The phrase 'speak about' is used in informal conversations to discuss or mention a topic. It is more commonly used in everyday language and is suitable for casual settings.

Examples:

Let's speak about our plans for the weekend.
She spoke about her recent trip to Europe.
He doesn't like to speak about his personal life.

Show examples from the web [+]

They still speak about you in Rome.
I'm not here to speak about me.
Art can speak about environmental circumstances directly or allegorically.
Before I conclude, however, let me speak about the European Union's external responsibilities.
You speak about these things with so much insight and empathy for your patients.
I'm here to speak about you.
Somebody needed to speak about that woman and what she did.
I won't speak about Rachel.
I told you not to speak about Naomi Walling.
We can speak about kebab related matters if you want.
I urgently need to speak about Harry Selfridge.
I guess we speak about something else.
They speak about the luck o' the Irish.
Some people say that the church's pulpit is not the place to speak about this.
I advise you not to speak about that.
I'm not one to speak about feminism or empowerment.
We now need to speak about Sister Antonia.
Last I heard him speak about her, she was in New York City someplace.
No one was allowed to speak about movement in plants before Charles Darwin.
Some even speak about ethnic cleansing.

Alternatives:

talk about
discuss
mention
converse about
chat about

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speak on vs speak about

"speak on"

"speak about"

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