being spoken about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being spoken about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a subject or topic that is currently the focus of discussion or conversation. Example: "The issue being spoken about in the meeting is crucial for our project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Even being spoken about as a future England centre-half.

Independent

I'm the one who is the you here, I'm the one who's being spoken about".

The New Yorker

Harris is already being spoken about in the same breath as Sarah Waters and Michel Faber.

The Guardian - Books

Because of the environment in India right now, [sexual violence] is being spoken about, perhaps, for the first time.

The Guardian - Film

"A dishonour as much for the person speaking as the person being spoken about," Le Pen added.

The Guardian

It is being spoken about as if this is, No. 1, a new problem, and No. 2, something that has gotten worse.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

What cannot be spoken about is turned into silent images.

The Guardian - Arts

When outsourcing is spoken about, India is spoken about in the same breath.

Forbes

"Smithy is certainly someone who will be spoken about".

BBC

"The Lions hasn't been spoken about once.

BBC

It has to be spoken about," he states.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is important, specify who is doing the speaking or in what context the subject is being discussed to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of 'The issue is being spoken about', try 'The issue is being spoken about in the media'.

Common error

While acceptable, "being spoken about" can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like "being discussed" or "under consideration", especially in academic or business writing. Choose your words carefully to match the tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being spoken about" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of speaking. Ludwig shows its use across diverse contexts, illustrating its broad applicability. It describes a state of discussion or mention concerning a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being spoken about" effectively conveys that a subject is currently under discussion or receiving attention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and adaptable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While it maintains a generally neutral register, it's crucial to consider context and audience. For more formal writing, alternatives like "being discussed" or "under consideration" might be more appropriate. Remember that using specific details about who is speaking and where the discussion is occurring enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being discussed

Focuses on the act of formal discussion, often implying a more structured conversation.

being talked about

A more general term for any kind of conversation surrounding a topic.

under discussion

Indicates that a topic is currently being considered or debated.

being mentioned

Highlights the act of bringing something up, but does not necessarily imply extensive conversation.

being referred to

Emphasizes the act of making a reference to a specific subject or item.

under consideration

Suggests a topic is being carefully evaluated or thought about.

subject of conversation

Highlights the role of a topic as the central focus of a discussion.

topic of discussion

Similar to 'subject of conversation' but puts more emphasis on the theme.

receiving attention

Indicates that something is getting noticed or focused on.

drawing attention

Suggests that something is attracting interest or focus.

FAQs

How can I use "being spoken about" in a sentence?

You can use "being spoken about" to indicate that a topic is currently under discussion. For example: "The new policy is "being spoken about" in the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "being spoken about"?

Alternatives to "being spoken about" include "being discussed", "being mentioned", or "being referred to", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "being discussed" or "being spoken about" in formal writing?

In formal writing, "being discussed" is often preferred over "being spoken about" as it sounds more professional and structured.

Can "being spoken about" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "being spoken about" is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, although it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "under discussion" for certain formal contexts.