it speaks volumes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it speaks volumes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something conveys a lot of information or meaning, often without needing to say it explicitly. Example: "Her silence during the meeting speaks volumes about her disapproval of the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Opinion

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it speaks volumes about its namesake: refined, elegant, expensive, a little staid.

Independent

"It speaks volumes, right?

Independent

It speaks volumes about Tangier's ramshackle modernity.

The Guardian - Arts

In a minimum of space, it speaks volumes.

The New Yorker

In a way, it speaks volumes for Abramovich.

The New York Times - Sports

It speaks volumes for how much we've grown".

The New York Times

If nothing else, it speaks volumes about connections.

The New York Times

It speaks volumes about what this team is about.

The New York Times - Sports

But as a metaphor I think it speaks volumes.

The New Yorker

It speaks volumes, I think, of the human species.

The Guardian - Opinion

Also, it speaks volumes if you can't drive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it speaks volumes" to highlight implicit meanings or consequences without explicitly stating them, adding subtlety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it speaks volumes" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise and direct language is preferred. Opt for alternatives that explicitly state the significance or implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it speaks volumes" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey that something communicates a great deal, often implicitly. As Ludwig examples show, this can relate to a person's character, a situation's implications, or the significance of an event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Opinion

15%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Education

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it speaks volumes" is a common and effective way to highlight the significant implications or revealing nature of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a range of contexts, although it's best to avoid overuse in formal writing. Several alternatives, such as "it says a great deal" or "it is very telling", can be used to add variety to your writing while conveying a similar meaning. The phrase's prevalence in news and media suggests its broad appeal and understanding among diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it says a great deal

Replaces "speaks volumes" with a more direct synonym, maintaining the emphasis on significance.

it is very telling

Focuses on the revealing nature of something, implying that it provides insight.

it is highly significant

Highlights the importance and consequence of something.

it reveals much

Emphasizes the revealing aspect, suggesting that something uncovers hidden information.

it underscores the importance

Highlights the particular importance of something.

it demonstrates clearly

Emphasizes the clarity with which something proves a point.

it implies strongly

Suggests that something hints at a deeper meaning or conclusion.

it's quite revealing

Similar to 'very telling', emphasizing that the subject makes something apparent.

it bespeaks

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying it indicates or reveals.

it is indicative of

Indicates that something serves as a sign or symptom of a larger issue.

FAQs

What does "it speaks volumes" mean?

The phrase "it speaks volumes" means that something reveals a great deal about a situation or person without the need for many words. It implies that the message is clear and significant.

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

You can use "it speaks volumes" to emphasize the importance or revealing nature of something. For instance, "Her silence on the matter speaks volumes about her true feelings."

What can I say instead of "it speaks volumes"?

You can use alternatives like "it says a great deal", "it is very telling", or "it is highly significant" depending on the context.

Is "it speaks volumes about" different from "it says a lot about"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "it speaks volumes about" often suggests a deeper or more significant revelation than "it says a lot about". It emphasizes a more profound implication.