collocation · formal
freedom of speech
UK/ˌfriːdəm əv ˈspiːtʃ/US/ˌfridəm əv ˈspitʃ/free·DOM of SPEECH
the right to express opinions without censorship or restraint
Examples
“Many debates about the internet focus on freedom of speech.”
“Protecting freedom of speech is essential for a healthy democracy.”
“Some governments restrict freedom of speech during times of crisis.”
Band 8 sentence
“While freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democratic societies, it must be balanced with protections against hate speech and misinformation.”
Collocations
- protect freedom of speech
- restrict freedom of speech
Word family
Common mistakes
right of speech→right to freedom of speech
Say it for a higher band
5speak freely→6freedom to speak→7+freedom of speech
Synonyms
freedom of expression
Easily confused
freedom of expression
“Freedom of expression covers artistic work as well as spoken words.”
speech
“The president gave a speech about education reform.”
Related words
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In Society & Government
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