are spoken for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are spoken for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something or someone is already reserved or unavailable. Example: "I'm sorry, but all the tickets for the concert are spoken for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Those, too, are spoken for.

The New York Times

All of them are spoken for until 2010.

The New York Times

A few of the big jobs are spoken for.

The New York Times

Of the 20 units there, 4 were designated mansions (3 are spoken for).

The New York Times

Is it frustrating for the royals that their words are spoken for them?

Independent

The donkeys are sold as pets for children & most of the colts are spoken for before birth.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"My nurses are speaking for the person who has died.

Independent

"Where we are speaks for itself," Mr. Deutsch said.

The New York Times

Our voices are speaking for our friends, mothers, sisters, nieces.

Huffington Post

They are speaking for the people of the United States.

Vice

Objects (and by extension consumerism) are speaking for us today. .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are spoken for" to clearly indicate that items or opportunities are already reserved or committed, avoiding potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "are spoken for" if the commitment is tentative or not fully confirmed. Reserve the phrase for situations where the reservation is definite and binding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are spoken for" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject has been claimed or reserved by someone else. It describes a state of being already allocated or committed, as seen in the Ludwig examples where apartments or seats "are spoken for".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are spoken for" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something is already reserved or committed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember that "are spoken for" implies a definite commitment. Alternative phrases like "are reserved" or "are taken" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Be mindful of the level of commitment before using the phrase to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are reserved

Replaces "spoken for" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of reserving something.

are unavailable

States directly that the items or individuals cannot be accessed or used.

are taken

Offers a simpler, more general alternative to indicate unavailability.

are already claimed

Highlights the act of claiming something before others can.

are pre-booked

Emphasizes that reservations were made in advance.

are committed

Suggests a firm commitment, making the items or individuals unavailable.

have been allocated

Focuses on the distribution or assignment of something to specific recipients.

are promised

Highlights a promise made to someone else, making the items unavailable to others.

have prior engagements

Specifically applies to people, indicating they have pre-existing commitments.

are earmarked

Implies that something has been specifically designated for a particular purpose or person.

FAQs

How can I use "are spoken for" in a sentence?

You can use "are spoken for" to indicate that something is already reserved or unavailable. For example, "All the apartments but the penthouse "are spoken for", at prices ranging from $2 million to $6 million."

What does "are spoken for" mean?

"Are spoken for" means that something is already reserved, promised, or committed to someone else and is therefore unavailable.

What can I say instead of "are spoken for"?

You can use alternatives like "are reserved", "are taken", or "are already claimed" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "are spoken for" in formal writing?

Yes, "are spoken for" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is commonly used in news articles, business reports, and everyday conversations.