when we speak vs while we speak

Both "when we speak" and "while we speak" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "When we speak" is used to refer to the timing or occurrence of speaking, while "while we speak" is used to indicate something that happens simultaneously with speaking.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1207 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the timing or occurrence of speaking.

"when we speak"

This phrase is used to talk about the timing or occurrence of speaking. It indicates the moment or situation in which speaking happens.

Examples:

When we speak, we should choose our words carefully.
I always get nervous when we speak in front of a large audience.

Show examples from the web [+]

We need to look our Russian partners in the eye when we speak of human rights.
Prime Minister, when we speak of the future of Europe, history is never very far away.
Furthermore, when we speak of certain natural disasters we have to remember, particularly when they occur outside the European Union, that there are a lot of players other than the European Union in the field.
Could I say that when we speak about solidarity, it is not about the big against the small, and one fear that I have is that the new G20 could impact negatively on small countries and medium-sized countries which are emerging in these new markets.
We'll resolve all this when we speak with Potato directly.
It means something that when we speak it is one message, not necessarily - as people keep saying - one voice.
It is precisely these values that we have in mind when we speak of the 'European social model'.
And when we speak of economic management, tax policy - besides the monetary aspects - is undoubtedly a key element.
As is well known, our interests can be best served when we speak with one voice.
I think that it is extremely important that heavy goods traffic is included when we speak about climate change and sustainable development.
And when we speak, we do it so everyone can hear.
We endorse everything you said, but when we speak of support for small and medium-sized enterprises, we are not asking for subsidies.
Mr President, when we speak of agriculture we speak of food.
You see, when we speak of the Big Bang, we often have an image of a kind of cosmic explosion that created our universe and set space rushing outward.
Today when we speak about Chernobyl and the nuclear industry, the two go hand in hand.
I believe that when we speak of an European policy in this field, we should think, first and foremost, of our children, their health, future and social integration.
I also want to record that when we speak of Euro-Mediterranean policy we need to be able to face up to our responsibilities; the work we lost for budgetary reasons last year could have converted our commitments into reality.
Many times when we speak about the issues involved, in spite of our best efforts, some of us would like to see new things added to what has already been agreed.
That is our language, and, if we lose our balance under public pressure when we speak, we lose it even more when we act.
My last point is that, when we speak about consumers, let us ensure that we speak about all of the consumers of Europe not just those in the largest urban areas.

Alternatives:

Whenever we speak
At the time we speak
During our conversation
In the moment we speak
As we speak

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate something that happens simultaneously with speaking.

"while we speak"

This phrase is used to talk about something that happens simultaneously with speaking. It indicates an action or situation that occurs at the same time as speaking.

Examples:

While we speak, let's also listen to what others have to say.
I like to doodle while we speak on the phone.

Show examples from the web [+]

Right now in Tokyo, many vicious crimes are happening while we speak.
It's probably best if David waits outside with Theresa while we speak with you and your brother.
You don't mind if IT fiddle about a bit while we speak, do you?
While we speak, our friends at ATF and DEA are raiding a nightclub run by the Russian mafia.
That crime may well have contributed to the larger crimes being carried out against the Kosovo Albanians while we speak.
But while we speak of TENs, I would also like to refer very quickly to the responsibility which we have for all parts of the Union.
And, while we speak, the world around us changes.
Communist criminals are somehow better treated than ordinary citizens, and while we speak in here against extremist groups, some German politicians openly support historically revisionist political movements.
Sometimes we speak randomly of our meetings...
They're testing Angela for itas we speak.
My team's mobilizing as we speak.
Republic troops are boarding as we speak.
Opportunity knocks, as we speak.
Your mom is collecting the Congressman as we speak.
Our cryptographers are analyzing Otto's software as we speak.
Autopsy's happening as we speak.
Making my grilled cheese as we speak.
The Hereditary Peers are arriving as we speak.
Not I will speak from this door, they come and we speak.
I know you speak five languages, but we speak English in my dreams.

Alternatives:

As we speak
During our conversation
At the same time we speak
Simultaneously with speaking
Concurrently with speaking

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when we speak vs while we speak

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