speak of

USAGE SUMMARY

"speak of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a topic of conversation, for example, "We should speak of our future plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They speak of permanence.

The New York Times - Arts

But critics speak of favoritism.

The New York Times

"You speak of his physique!

The New Yorker

Do not speak of Lordi.

The New Yorker

Sylvia does speak, of course.

The New York Times

We didn't speak of it.

The New Yorker

They didn't speak of it.

The New Yorker

The rabbis speak of it".

The New Yorker

No spectators to speak of.

The New Yorker

Doctors speak of crisis levels.

Independent

Speak of it no more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speak of" when you want to indicate that something is worthy of being discussed or mentioned. Ensure the context is appropriate for the level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "speak of" interchangeably with more direct synonyms like "mention" if the context requires a deeper level of engagement with the topic. "Speak of" often implies significance or worthiness of discussion, which might not be conveyed by simpler alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak of" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the act of discussing or mentioning something, often implying that the topic is significant or worthy of attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speak of" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to denote discussing or mentioning a topic, often implying its importance or relevance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across numerous contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. While generally neutral in register, "speak of" is suitable for a wide range of communicative settings, with alternatives like "mention" or "discuss" offering nuanced options based on the desired level of formality and depth of engagement. Be mindful of the context to ensure the appropriate degree of emphasis is conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talk about

Implies a more detailed discussion or conversation on a particular subject.

mention

Focuses on the act of bringing something to someone's attention, often briefly.

discuss

Suggests a formal or structured conversation about a specific topic.

refer to

Specifically directs attention to something or someone.

touch upon

Indicates briefly mentioning or addressing a subject.

allude to

Implies an indirect reference or suggestion.

comment on

Suggests giving an opinion or remark about something.

remark upon

Similar to comment on, but often more formal.

broach the subject of

Indicates introducing a topic, often a sensitive or difficult one.

raise the question of

Presents a topic for consideration or debate.

FAQs

How can I use "speak of" in a sentence?

You can use "speak of" to indicate that something is worth mentioning or discussing, as in "We should "speak of the devil" when he suddenly appeared" or "The achievements are so significant that we must "speak of" them in detail".

What's a more formal way to say "speak of"?

While "speak of" is generally neutral, more formal alternatives include "address", "discuss in detail", or "expound upon", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "spoken of" instead of "speak of"?

Yes, "spoken of" is the past participle form and is used in different grammatical constructions, such as "The matter was "spoken of" extensively".

What does it mean when someone says ""speak of the devil""?

The idiom ""speak of the devil"" is used when a person appears just after they have been mentioned in conversation.