she spoke with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she spoke with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about someone communicating with someone else, either verbally or in writing. Example: She spoke with her supervisor about the project she was working on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She spoke with aplomb.

The New Yorker

She spoke with a Transylvanian accent.

The New Yorker

She spoke with a condemned man.

The New York Times - Books

She spoke with me through an interpreter.

The New York Times

She spoke with: Alan Cranston, John Glenn, Gary Hart, Dale Bumpers & Walter Mondale.

The New Yorker

She spoke with distaste about Espada's lavish lifestyle.

The Guardian

She spoke with a religious fervor, and missionary zeal.

The Guardian - Opinion

(One server, Tien Pham, translated as she spoke with me).

The New York Times

Fallin says she spoke with Obama "a few moments ago".

The Guardian

(b) No. (c) She spoke with Craig on the phone.

The New Yorker

She spoke with The New Yorker's Dorothy Wickenden.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she spoke with" when you want to convey direct communication between a female subject and another person, especially in journalistic or neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "she spoke with" in highly informal or colloquial settings; alternatives like "she talked to" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she spoke with" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of communication. This action involves a female subject engaging in a conversation or dialogue with someone. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she spoke with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing communication involving a female subject. As validated by Ludwig AI, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, especially news and media, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. While generally interchangeable with phrases like "she talked to", it carries a slightly more formal connotation. To ensure accuracy and appropriateness, consider the context and desired level of formality, choosing alternatives such as "she communicated with" or "she conferred with" when a more specific nuance is needed. Ultimately, using "she spoke with" effectively involves understanding its place on the spectrum of formality and choosing the expression that best suits the communicative purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she talked to

This phrase directly replaces "spoke with" with "talked to", maintaining the same meaning but using a more informal verb.

she had a conversation with

This alternative expands the phrase to include the idea of a conversation, emphasizing a more reciprocal communication.

she conferred with

Conferred suggests a more formal or official consultation.

she consulted with

This implies seeking advice or information from someone.

she communicated with

This is a broader term that covers various modes of communication, not just speaking.

she addressed

Addressing someone can mean speaking to them, often in a formal setting or about a specific issue.

she had words with

This suggests a disagreement or argument.

she interviewed

This implies a structured conversation to gather information.

she presented to

This emphasizes one-way communication in a formal setting, like a speech or presentation.

she reached out to

This suggests an initial attempt to make contact.

FAQs

How can I use "she spoke with" in a sentence?

You can use "she spoke with" to describe a conversation or communication. For example, "She spoke with the manager about the issue".

What's the difference between "she spoke with" and "she talked to"?

While similar, "she spoke with" might imply a slightly more formal or directed conversation than "she talked to". You can use alternatives like "she talked to" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "she spoke with"?

Alternatives include "she communicated with", "she conferred with", or "she consulted with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "she spoke with" or "she spoke to"?

Both "she spoke with" and "she spoke to" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on regional preference and the desired level of formality.