speaking

Everyday

1. Speaking is the -ing form of «speak», which means to say words, to talk. tree →
2. Speaking is the skill of talking, especially to a group (public speaking). tree →
3. -speaking means using a language, as in an English-speaking country. tree →

In the lessons

In school, «speaking and listening» is a key skill: taking turns, speaking clearly, looking at your audience, not interrupting. On the phone, «Speaking!» means «This is me». In everyday life, «Generally speaking» means usually, and «strictly speaking» means if we are exact. In geography, English-speaking countries include the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In stories, «speaking» shows who says what. «We're not speaking» means two people have fallen out.

Examples

• She is speaking to the class about her trip. tree →
• Please wait until I've finished speaking. tree →
• Speaking in front of people can be scary. tree →
• «Can I talk to Sam?» «Speaking!» tree →
• Canada is an English- and French-speaking country. tree →
• Generally speaking, cats sleep a lot. tree →
• We practised our speaking skills in a debate. tree →
• “Nibs is speaking with his mouth full.” tree →

Note

Verb: speak, spoke, spoken (irregular; not «speaked»). «Speak» vs «talk»: both are close; «speak» is a bit more formal and used for languages (speak French). «Speak to» or «speak with» someone. «Spoken» is the past participle: «English is spoken here».

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Moses speaking to all Israel is the way the Torah's words reached the people. Tradition values careful speaking and listening. The Psalms warn against speaking guile and falsehood, and the rabbis treated harmful speech as a serious wrong. In the primary lessons: In school, «speaking and listening» is a key skill: taking turns, speaking clearly, looking at your audience, not interrupting. On the phone, «Speaking!» means «This is me». In everyday life, «Generally speaking» means usually, and «strictly speaking» means if we are exact. In geography, English-speaking countries include the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In stories, «speaking» shows who says what. «We're not speaking» means two people have fallen out.

Examples

• And when Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel, (Torah DEU.32.45, JPS 1917) tree →
• And when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. (Torah EXO.34.33, JPS 1917) tree →
• While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep; for she tended them. (Torah GEN.29.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• But who can withhold himself from speaking? (Writings JOB.4.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. (Writings PSA.34.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou lovest evil more than good; falsehood rather than speaking righteousness. (Writings PSA.52.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Verb: speak, spoke, spoken (irregular; not «speaked»). «Speak» vs «talk»: both are close; «speak» is a bit more formal and used for languages (speak French). «Speak to» or «speak with» someone. «Spoken» is the past participle: «English is spoken here».