as we spoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we spoke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous conversation or discussion that took place. Example: "As we spoke about earlier, the project deadline has been moved up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shakhrudi grew more animated as we spoke.

The New Yorker

I picked at the charcuterie as we spoke.

The New Yorker

Indeed, as we spoke, Osman began to modify his prediction.

The New Yorker

Mr Burrows was drinking a monkey-picked oolong as we spoke over the phone.

The Economist

As we spoke, Andreessen tweeted an apology.

The Guardian - Tech

As we spoke, I searched the site.

The New York Times - Tech

The world, as we spoke, was peopled largely by running and playing children.

The New Yorker

I feel danger," Shouket said as we spoke in her office.

The New Yorker

As we spoke, he barely completed a sentence without invoking the likes of Plato.

The New Yorker

As we spoke, he kept looking through binoculars toward the town.

The New Yorker

As we spoke, helicopters and snowmobiles were still tracking May's progress through the woods.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as we spoke", ensure the context provides enough information about the conversation itself. Briefly describe the setting, topic, or tone of the discussion to give the reader a better understanding of the situation.

Common error

Don't use "as we spoke" when the timing is unclear. If the reader can't easily understand when the conversation took place or its relevance to the main narrative, the phrase can become confusing. Instead, provide more specific details about the conversation's context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we spoke" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb in the main clause to indicate that an action or event occurred simultaneously with a conversation. Ludwig AI shows that it is commonly used to provide context and establish a timeline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as we spoke" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts. It serves to indicate that an event occurred concurrently with a conversation, adding a sense of immediacy. Ludwig AI confirms that it has neutral register and is adaptable to different domains.

Alternatives like "during our conversation" or "while we were talking" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis. As with any phrase, clarity and context are key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while we were talking

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the conversation.

as we were discussing

Highlights the topic-oriented aspect of the conversation.

as we conversed

A more formal and concise alternative.

during our conversation

Focuses on the conversation itself as the timeframe.

over the course of our conversation

Implies that the event happened throughout the duration of the conversation.

in the course of our discussion

A more formal way to indicate the timeframe of a conversation.

while in conversation

Highlights the state of being engaged in a dialogue.

as the conversation unfolded

Suggests a more dynamic and evolving discussion.

in the midst of our talk

Emphasizes that something happened in the middle of the conversation.

during our chat

More informal and emphasizes a casual conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "as we spoke" in a sentence?

Use "as we spoke" to indicate that something happened during a conversation. For example: "As we spoke, he checked his phone." This shows the action of checking the phone happened while the conversation was ongoing.

What's a more formal alternative to "as we spoke"?

More formal alternatives include "during our conversation" or "in the course of our discussion", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "as we spoke" interchangeable with "as we were talking"?

While similar, "as we spoke" and "as we were talking" have slightly different nuances. "As we spoke" is a bit more concise and can suggest a specific point in the conversation, whereas "as we were talking" emphasizes the continuous nature of the discussion.

Can I use "as we spoke" to refer to a future conversation?

No, "as we spoke" refers to a conversation that has already taken place. To refer to something that will happen during a future conversation, you might say "as we talk" or "when we speak".