is spoken about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is spoken about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or subject that is being talked about or mentioned by others. Example: "The new policy is spoken about frequently in meetings, highlighting its importance to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

That's why 2018 is spoken about by people".

The Guardian

It is spoken about as so and so is so mean to me.

The Guardian - Tech

Her achievement, she thinks, is to participate in a movement where sexuality is spoken about honestly.

The Guardian - Books

But do not be surprised if Whitehead, a great friend of the "Blade Runner", is spoken about in similar revered tones.

The Guardian - Sport

By working in partnership with employers to ensure mental health is spoken about "openly" – and urging bosses to communicate that barriers are there to be broken down – "real progress" can be made, he says.

The Guardian

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

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

He added: "If someone is speaking about a 'pulling factor', he doesn't know what he is speaking about".

The Guardian

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

Independent

What cannot be spoken about is turned into silent images.

The Guardian - Arts

"It's been spoken about but not too much.

The Guardian - Sport

But it's important that it be spoken about".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is spoken about" when you want to convey that a topic is being actively discussed or considered by others, especially when the source or speaker is not explicitly identified.

Common error

Avoid using "is spoken about" excessively, as it can make your writing sound vague or indirect. If possible, identify who is doing the speaking to create a more direct and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is spoken about" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is the recipient of the action of speaking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is spoken about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction indicating that a topic is under discussion. As Ludwig AI explains, it is indeed correct. While common across various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news and media. When writing, consider whether a more direct and active voice would be more impactful. If so, use alternatives like "is discussed" or "is mentioned" to ensure clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is discussed

Focuses on a more formal and structured conversation.

is mentioned

Suggests a brief or casual reference.

is referred to

Implies a specific reference or citation.

is talked about

More conversational and informal.

is addressed

Indicates a problem or issue being dealt with.

is touched upon

Suggests a brief and light examination.

is considered

Highlights thoughtfulness and deliberation.

is brought up

Focuses on the act of introducing a topic.

is highlighted

Emphasizes the importance or visibility of the topic.

is presented

Suggests a formal introduction or display of information.

FAQs

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

You can use "is spoken about" to indicate that a subject is being discussed or mentioned by others. For example, "The new policy "is spoken about" frequently in meetings".

What's a more formal alternative to "is spoken about"?

A more formal alternative to "is spoken about" is "is discussed". This conveys a more structured and deliberate conversation.

When should I use "is mentioned" instead of "is spoken about"?

Use "is mentioned" when you want to indicate a brief or casual reference to a topic, rather than an extended discussion.

What's the difference between "is spoken about" and "is talked about"?

While both phrases are similar, "is talked about" is generally considered more informal and conversational compared to "is spoken about".