it speaks to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it speaks to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when discussing a particular aspect or quality of something that is being referenced. For example: 1. The artwork in this gallery speaks to the beauty of nature. 2. His actions speak to his true character. 3. The book speaks to the struggles of marginalized communities. 4. The song's lyrics and melody speak to the universal human experience. 5. The movie speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. In each of these examples, "speaks to" is used to convey a deeper meaning or message that the subject is expressing or representing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It speaks to them.

The New York Times

It speaks to me.

The New York Times

But it speaks to you.

The New York Times

It speaks to your neshama.

The New Yorker

It speaks to me," she said.

The New York Times

It speaks to Lesnar's actual situation.

The New Yorker

"It speaks to their level of comfort".

The New York Times

"It's like it speaks to you".

The New York Times

What about it speaks to you?

The New York Times

"It speaks to many people's experiences.

The Economist

"It speaks to both," Mr. Lambert said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it speaks to" to highlight the underlying meaning or relevance of a subject, especially when discussing abstract concepts, cultural nuances, or emotional resonance.

Common error

Avoid using "it speaks to" when a more direct and simpler verb, such as 'shows' or 'indicates', would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it speaks to" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It introduces a deeper meaning, relevance, or connection beyond the literal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in adding nuance to statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it speaks to" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a deeper meaning or relevance in various contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. While alternatives like "it resonates with" or "it reflects" exist, "it speaks to" uniquely highlights significance. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid wordiness, ensuring clarity and impact in your writing. The phrase appears most frequently in the news media, but it's also common in academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it resonates with

Focuses on the emotional or personal connection rather than a broader indication.

it reflects

Highlights how something mirrors or represents something else.

it pertains to

Emphasizes relevance and connection to a specific subject.

it alludes to

Indicates a subtle or indirect reference.

it suggests

Implies a possible conclusion or idea.

it is indicative of

Highlights something as a sign or symptom.

it is relevant to

Highlights the direct relationship or pertinence to a subject.

it addresses

Focuses on dealing with or discussing a particular issue.

it connects with

Emphasizes a sense of union or correlation.

it bears upon

Implies a direct effect or influence on something.

FAQs

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

Use "it speaks to" to highlight the deeper meaning or relevance of something. For example, "The artist's use of color "it speaks to" the emotions of the scene".

What are some alternatives to "it speaks to"?

Alternatives include "it resonates with", "it reflects", or "it pertains to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it speaks to" formal or informal?

"It speaks to" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. It's common in news articles, academic papers, and business communications.

What's the difference between "it speaks to" and "it refers to"?

"It speaks to" implies a deeper meaning or connection, while "it refers to" is a more direct and literal reference. For example, "The novel "it speaks to" themes of isolation," versus "The novel "it refers to" historical events".