Speaking Of vs. When It Comes to

Attribute	Speaking Of	When It Comes to
Usage	Used to introduce a topic or subject	Used to introduce a specific aspect or point within a topic
Informality	More informal in nature	Can be used in both formal and informal contexts
Focus	Places emphasis on the topic being discussed	Places emphasis on a particular aspect or detail within the topic
Clarity	May be used to transition to a new topic	Used to provide further clarification or detail

Introduction

When it comes to expressing ideas and transitioning between topics in conversation, two common phrases that are often used are "speaking of" and "when it comes to." While both phrases serve a similar purpose of shifting focus or introducing a new topic, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between "speaking of" and "when it comes to" in terms of usage, tone, and formality.

Usage

The phrase "speaking of" is typically used to bring up a related topic or to make a connection between two separate ideas. For example, one might say, "Speaking of dogs, have you seen the new puppy next door?" This phrase is often used to smoothly transition from one topic to another in conversation. On the other hand, "when it comes to" is used to introduce a new topic or to discuss a specific aspect of a broader subject. For instance, one might say, "When it comes to choosing a vacation destination, I prefer beach resorts." This phrase is commonly used to focus on a particular aspect of a topic.

Tone

The tone of the phrase "speaking of" is often more casual and conversational. It is commonly used in informal settings or everyday conversations among friends or family members. This phrase is versatile and can be used to introduce a wide range of topics in a light-hearted manner. On the other hand, "when it comes to" tends to have a more formal tone. It is often used in professional or academic settings to introduce a specific topic or to make a point about a particular subject. This phrase is more structured and is commonly used in more serious discussions.

Formality

In terms of formality, "speaking of" is considered to be less formal than "when it comes to." The phrase "speaking of" is often used in casual conversations or informal settings where a relaxed tone is appropriate. It is commonly used among friends or in social situations where a more laid-back approach is preferred. On the other hand, "when it comes to" is more formal and is often used in professional or academic contexts where a more serious tone is required. This phrase is commonly used in presentations, reports, or formal discussions where clarity and precision are important.

Clarity

While both "speaking of" and "when it comes to" are used to transition between topics, they serve slightly different purposes in terms of clarity. "Speaking of" is often used to make a connection between two related topics or to introduce a new idea that is loosely related to the current conversation. This phrase is more flexible and can be used to smoothly shift focus without explicitly stating the connection between topics. On the other hand, "when it comes to" is used to introduce a specific topic or to focus on a particular aspect of a broader subject. This phrase is more direct and is commonly used to clearly indicate the topic being discussed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both "speaking of" and "when it comes to" are commonly used phrases to transition between topics in conversation, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. "Speaking of" is often used to make connections between related topics in a casual and conversational tone, while "when it comes to" is more formal and structured, used to introduce specific topics or aspects of a subject. Understanding the differences in usage, tone, formality, and clarity of these phrases can help individuals effectively navigate conversations and communicate their ideas with precision.