TransWikia.com

"Speaking of/talking of" - similarities and differences

English Language & Usage Asked on December 15, 2020

I was told that "speaking of" should refer to a previously mentioned subject and should trigger a change of the subject. For example:

  • Are you going to chip in on a joint gift for Frank? He has a birthday tomorrow.
  • Do I have to?
  • You don’t have to if you don’t feel like doing so.
  • Well, I feel like smoking now… but speaking of chipping in, I will chip in 10 dollars. (WRONG)

I was told that "speaking of chipping in" is not used correctly here because it continues the discussion of the previous subject. It would be OK if it started a new subject slightly related to the matter of chipping in. For example:

  • Well, I feel like smoking now… but speaking of chipping in, who even made it up? Isn’t it just another useless concept?

Now I wonder what if I used "talking of chipping in"? Would it be OK to continue with the subject mentioned earlier in that case?

  • Are you going to chip in on a joint gift for Frank? He has a birthday tomorrow.
  • Do I have to?
  • You don’t have to if you don’t feel like doing so.
  • Well, I feel like smoking now… but TALKING of chipping in, I will chip in 10 dollars. (CORRECT? or WRONG?)

One Answer

Both 'speaking of...' and 'talking of...' introduce a new subject related to the previous one.

Suppose two of you have been talking about a work colleague, which reminds you of another colleague who has been ill. You might say "Speaking of [your workplace], have you heard how Joe Bloggs is?"

Answered by Kate Bunting on December 15, 2020

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question

Get help from others!

© 2024 TransWikia.com. All rights reserved. Sites we Love: PCI Database, UKBizDB, Menu Kuliner, Sharing RPP