is spoken for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is spoken for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something or someone is already claimed, reserved, or unavailable. Example: "I wanted to ask her out, but I found out she is spoken for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Every beat is spoken for.

The Guardian - Music

Colorado River water is a precious commodity — most years, every drop is spoken for.

The New York Times - Science

But here they have to happen before school starts; time after class is spoken for.

The Economist

Every available tap is spoken for — now and in the near future, with "on-deck" replacements.

The New York Times

And the entire 2008 production run is spoken for, with no delivery dates confirmed for 2009 cars.

The New York Times

As for home plate, that is spoken for; the team plans to take it to the new stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"His bat is speaking for itself".

The New York Times - Sports

"I think Vinny is speaking for everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

No one is speaking for these parents.

The Guardian

One possibility is: speak for the regions.

The Guardian

He is speaking for GE Money, but he could easily be speaking for General Electric as a whole.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the context; while generally acceptable, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "is reserved" or "is allocated".

Common error

Avoid using "is spoken for" in contexts where a temporary arrangement or a tentative agreement is in place, as it implies a more definitive and binding commitment. Consider using phrases like "is tentatively reserved" or "is under consideration" instead.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "is spoken for" functions as a declarative phrase, indicating that something or someone is already claimed or unavailable. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from physical resources to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is spoken for" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression indicating that something or someone is already claimed or unavailable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts and maintains a neutral register. While versatile, it's important to consider context, as alternatives such as ""is reserved"" may be more appropriate for formal settings. When communicating about resources, time, or people, consider the clarity "is spoken for" offers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is already taken

Simple substitution of words with a very similar meaning, focusing on availability.

is reserved

Emphasizes that something has been specifically set aside for someone or something.

is allocated

Highlights the act of assigning something for a specific purpose.

is committed

Focuses on the aspect of dedication or obligation to someone or something.

is promised

Implies a prior agreement or commitment has been made.

is designated

Highlights the selection of something for a particular function or purpose.

is engaged

More often used regarding people, this indicates a commitment to marry.

is bespoken

An archaic term, similar to "is spoken for", but less common.

has been claimed

Focuses on the action of someone taking possession or rights to something.

is earmarked

Emphasizes that something, typically funds or resources, is set aside for a specific use.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is spoken for"?

When something "is spoken for", it means it's already claimed, reserved, or committed to someone or something else. It indicates unavailability.

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

You can use it to indicate that an item, a resource, or even a person is already committed. For example, "That parking spot "is already taken", it's spoken for".

What are some alternatives to saying "is spoken for"?

Some alternatives include "is reserved", "is already taken", or "is committed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "is spoken for" formal or informal?

"Is spoken for" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives such as "is allocated" or "is designated" might be preferred in highly formal settings.