it speaks of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it speaks of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe something indirectly, or to indicate a certain quality or feeling that something suggests. For example: "The ancient ruins speak of a bygone era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It speaks of the death of everyman: its folly, unpredictability, senselessness, magnitude, finality.

The Guardian

It speaks of what "we" believe.

The New York Times - Arts

It speaks of "interconnectedness" and "diffuse power".

The New Yorker

It speaks of my age, and it speaks of me".

The New York Times - Arts

It speaks of pure obsession.

The New York Times

It speaks of glory, drama and exhilaration.

The Guardian - Arts

It speaks of our hypocrisy about immigration.

The Guardian - Opinion

It speaks of the division of Jerusalem".

The New York Times

It speaks of seriousness of purpose and self-discipline.

The Economist

It speaks of a spiritual level that I haven't attained.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It spoke of a city's heartbreak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it speaks of" to subtly suggest meaning or feeling rather than making a direct statement. It is effective when you want to imply a deeper layer of significance.

Common error

Avoid overusing "it speaks of" in formal or academic writing where direct and precise language is preferred. Instead, opt for more direct verbs like "indicates", "demonstrates", or "suggests".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it speaks of" functions as a rhetorical device to indirectly convey meaning or suggest associations, rather than stating something explicitly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage in various contexts. The phrase serves to imply deeper significance or emotional resonance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it speaks of" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to suggest meaning or feeling indirectly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent across news, literature, and other domains, adding depth to descriptions and narratives. While suitable for various contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Consider related phrases like "it suggests" or "it indicates" for more direct communication. This expression serves to evoke certain feelings, ideas, or impressions by hinting at underlying themes or characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it conveys the impression of

Focuses on the impression communicated, rather than a direct statement.

it suggests the idea of

Emphasizes the hinting or suggestion aspect, implying a less direct communication.

it communicates about

Highlights the act of communication regarding a specific topic.

it is indicative of

Stresses the role of being a sign or indication of something.

it hints at

Implies a subtle or indirect suggestion.

it reflects upon

Focuses on the mirroring or showing aspect of a topic.

it alludes to

Highlights an indirect reference to something.

it signifies

Emphasizes the meaning or importance conveyed.

it expresses something about

Focuses on the direct expression of a sentiment or idea.

it implies something relating to

Highlights the indirect suggestion of a connection.

FAQs

How can I use "it speaks of" in a sentence?

You can use "it speaks of" to describe something that suggests a particular quality, feeling, or idea. For example, "The painting "it speaks of" a deep sense of longing."

What are some alternatives to "it speaks of"?

Alternatives include "it suggests", "it indicates", or "it conveys". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to communicate.

Is "it speaks of" formal or informal?

"It speaks of" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for many writing contexts, but in highly formal settings, consider more direct alternatives like "it demonstrates".

How does "it speaks of" differ from "it talks about"?

"It speaks of" implies a more subtle or indirect communication than "it talks about". While "it talks about" directly references the subject, "it speaks of" suggests deeper meaning and associations. For example, "The poem "it speaks of" love and loss", versus "The lecture "it talks about" economic policy".