be spoken of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be spoken of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that is being discussed or mentioned by others. Example: "In the meeting, she was the only one who was not to be spoken of in a negative light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lives to be spoken of pityingly.

The New Yorker

"MERITOCRACY" tends to be spoken of approvingly these days.

The Economist

To be spoken of in the same breath is incredible".

The Guardian - Books

This resignation sets an example that will be spoken of until the end of time.

The New York Times

Nor can any evolution in folk literature or any overall developments be spoken of explicitly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although war had barely ended, it was not to be spoken of on the café's walls.

Independent

Whether a Pole or a Jew, this was not a matter to be spoken of openly.

The Guardian - Books

Its actors are collateral damage; no ill can be spoken of their talent or their craft.

The Guardian - Film

(Nothing visible, nothing that can be spoken of in scientific terms).

The Guardian - Arts

Gorton remarks, "That's the sort of thing that can't be spoken of.

The Guardian - Books

These marvellous creations must now be spoken of in the past tense.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be spoken of" to add a touch of formality or emphasis when you want to highlight that something is being discussed or mentioned, especially in a significant or memorable way.

Common error

Avoid using "be spoken of" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "be mentioned" or "be talked about" are often more appropriate and natural in these settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be spoken of" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action of speaking or mentioning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound construction used to denote discussion or remembrance. Example: "This resignation sets an example that will be spoken of until the end of time."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be spoken of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase highlights the discussion, mention, or remembrance of a subject, often implying significance. Its usage spans various contexts, with a prevalence in News & Media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's essential to consider the level of formality, opting for simpler alternatives like "be mentioned" or "be discussed" in more casual settings. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ the phrase "be spoken of" to convey the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be mentioned

Focuses on the act of being named or referred to, simplifying the original phrase.

be discussed

Emphasizes the act of being talked about, highlighting the discussion aspect.

be referred to

Highlights the act of being cited or alluded to, maintaining a formal tone.

be talked about

Uses a more informal and conversational tone to express the idea of being discussed.

be alluded to

Suggests an indirect mention, implying subtlety and nuance.

be brought up

Focuses on the act of introducing a topic into a conversation or discussion.

be touched upon

Implies a brief or superficial mention of a topic, highlighting its limited coverage.

be considered

Highlights the act of being thought about or taken into account, emphasizing evaluation.

be addressed

Emphasizes the act of dealing with or focusing on a specific issue or concern.

be commented on

Focuses on the act of expressing an opinion or remark about something.

FAQs

How can I use "be spoken of" in a sentence?

You can use "be spoken of" to indicate that someone or something is being discussed or mentioned. For example: "His achievements will "be spoken of" for years to come."

What are some alternatives to "be spoken of"?

Alternatives include "be mentioned", "be discussed", or "be referred to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is spoken of" or "is being spoken of"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Is spoken of" implies a general or habitual action, while "is being spoken of" suggests an action that is currently in progress.

What is the difference between "be spoken of" and "be thought of"?

"Be spoken of" refers to something that is verbally communicated or discussed, while "be thought of" refers to something that is considered or perceived in someone's mind. They relate to different aspects of communication and cognition.