long spoken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long spoken" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used to refer to something that has been discussed or communicated for an extended period of time, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The topic of climate change has been long spoken about in scientific communities."

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Scottish nationalism had long spoken with different voices – literary, cultural, sporting and political.

The Guardian

But he has long spoken about the importance of seeking a "nonexclusive audience" for art.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite his success Mr. Jasperse has long spoken about his ambivalence toward dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Sharon has long spoken of his readiness to make "painful concessions".

The Economist

Experts have long spoken out against family detention, and trauma inflicted on parents and children.

The Guardian - Opinion

Democrats have long spoken out about expanding access to quality child care.

The Washington Post

"We have long spoken out about mistreatment and deteriorating prison conditions in Syria.

The Guardian

Equally troubling is that Orpheus members have long spoken with forked tongues about conductors.

The New York Times - Arts

Born in the 19th century, Ms. Wolf had long spoken of wanting to witness the 21st.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

She won for her piece Brand New Ancients, an hour-long "spoken story" with orchestral backing, in which Tempest imagines a world where we are all gods.

The Guardian - Books

Hour-long spoken history of Mirambo, a powerful 19th-century Tanzanian chief.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long spoken" to emphasize the duration over which a topic has been discussed, especially when highlighting historical perspectives or consistent messaging.

Common error

Avoid using "long spoken" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "often talked about" or "frequently mentioned" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long spoken" functions as a passive adjectival modifier, typically used to describe a noun that represents a topic, idea, or issue. It modifies the noun by indicating that the topic has been discussed or addressed for a considerable period. According to Ludwig, while generally grammatically sound, can sound slightly awkward.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long spoken" is used to describe something that has been talked about or discussed for a significant duration, often implying a history or tradition of debate. While Ludwig indicates it is grammatically acceptable, it can sound slightly formal and may be better suited for academic, journalistic, or formal writing. Alternatives such as "frequently discussed" or "widely talked about" can provide a less formal tone. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, emphasizing its relevance in reporting on ongoing issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently discussed

Emphasizes the frequency of discussion rather than the duration.

much discussed

Indicates the discussion has been of significant length or involved a significant amount of conversation.

widely talked about

Highlights the breadth of the discussion across different groups.

extensively debated

Focuses on the argumentative aspect of the discussion.

often mentioned

Indicates that something is brought up regularly.

regularly addressed

Suggests that the topic is handled or dealt with on a consistent basis.

repeatedly stated

Emphasizes the reiteration of a particular point or fact.

previously mentioned

Highlights that the subject has been brought up at an earlier time.

historically addressed

Indicates the subject has been dealt with in the past.

traditionally voiced

Suggests a long-standing expression of a sentiment or opinion.

FAQs

What does "long spoken" mean?

The phrase "long spoken" is used to describe something that has been discussed or talked about for a considerable amount of time. It often suggests a topic with a history of discussion or debate.

How can I use "long spoken" in a sentence?

You might say, "The need for environmental protection has been "long spoken" of, but action is still needed".

What are some alternatives to "long spoken"?

You can use alternatives like "frequently discussed", "widely talked about", or "extensively debated" depending on the context.

Is "long spoken" grammatically correct?

Yes, "long spoken" is grammatically acceptable, although it can sometimes sound formal. It's generally best used in more formal writing or when emphasizing the duration of a discussion.