Spoke with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Spoke with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conversation or discussion you had with someone. Example: "I spoke with the manager about the new project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Spoke with McNichol there.

The New Yorker

He spoke with Interpol.

The New York Times

spoke with him curtly.

The New Yorker

He spoke with ease.

The New York Times - Sports

She spoke with aplomb.

The New Yorker

Writer spoke with Capt.

The New Yorker

Writer spoke with him.

The New Yorker

Sylvia spoke with resolve.

The New Yorker

Sarafian spoke with her.

The New Yorker

Writer spoke with her.

The New Yorker

I spoke with Brookes recently.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spoke with" when you want to emphasize a direct, personal interaction. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "spoke with" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very formal documents. Consider alternatives like "conferred with" or "held discussions with" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spoke with" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of engaging in a conversation or discussion. It typically connects a subject (the speaker) with an object (the person spoken to), as demonstrated in examples like 'I spoke with the manager' or 'She spoke with resolve.' Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science & Research

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spoke with" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a conversation or interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's versatile enough for various settings, though "talked to" serves as a more informal alternative, and phrases like "conversed with" are suitable for more formal contexts. While generally neutral in register, overusing it in highly formal documents should be avoided. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it effectively conveys that a discussion has taken place. Its function is to narrate or describe an interaction simply, and it is a phrase you can use with confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Talked with

This alternative is a more informal synonym for "spoke with".

Had a conversation with

This alternative is a more descriptive and formal way of saying "spoke with".

Engaged in dialogue with

This alternative suggests a more active and reciprocal conversation.

Communicated with

This alternative implies a broader range of communication methods, not just speaking.

Held discussions with

This alternative indicates a more in-depth and structured conversation.

Conversed with

This alternative is a more formal synonym for "spoke with", often used in literary contexts.

Exchanged words with

This alternative is a more descriptive way of saying "spoke with", emphasizing the exchange of dialogue.

Consulted with

This alternative suggests seeking advice or information during the conversation.

Interviewed

This alternative suggests a formal question and answer session.

Addressed

This alternative implies a formal speech or presentation.

FAQs

How to use "spoke with" in a sentence?

You can use "spoke with" to indicate a conversation or discussion you had with someone. For example, "I spoke with the manager about the new project deadline".

What can I say instead of "spoke with"?

You can use alternatives like "talked with", "had a conversation with", or "communicated with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "spoke with" or "talked to"?

Both "spoke with" and "talked to" are correct and commonly used. "Spoke with" may be slightly more formal, but they are largely interchangeable.

What's the difference between "spoke with" and "addressed"?

"Spoke with" implies a conversation or discussion, while "addressed" suggests a formal speech or presentation to an audience.