speaks of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speaks of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a topic or subject that is mentioned or discussed in a text or conversation. Example: "The article speaks of the importance of mental health awareness in today's society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another voice speaks of "Percy".

The New York Times - Arts

He speaks of "illegal" housing.

The New York Times

"No one speaks of them.

The New York Times

Her inclusion speaks of quality.

Independent

He speaks of 'normalcy'normalcy

The Guardian - Opinion

It speaks of what "we" believe.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Donovan merely speaks of "considerable disagreement".

The Economist

The narrator speaks of his family.

The New Yorker

In private, he speaks of 20 years.

Independent

Nearly every line speaks of gore.

The Economist

Writer speaks of his collection of understatements.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speaks of" to introduce a specific topic, theme, or subject that is being addressed within a text, conversation, or artistic work. For example, "The poem "speaks of" the fleeting nature of time."

Common error

While "speaks of" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. Opt for more precise verbs like "analyzes", "examines", or "details" to enhance clarity and sophistication in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaks of" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the topic or subject that is being mentioned, discussed, or addressed within a text, conversation, or piece of art. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speaks of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that introduces or highlights a central topic or theme in various forms of communication. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage. While it maintains a neutral register, its application is particularly common in news and media, lending a slightly more formal tone than alternatives like "talks about". When writing, use "speaks of" to clearly indicate the subject matter, but in highly formal settings, consider more precise verbs like "analyzes" or "examines".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentions

Focuses on a brief reference rather than a detailed discussion.

discusses

Implies a more detailed and thorough examination of a topic.

refers to

Indicates a direct reference to something specific.

addresses

Suggests a direct engagement with a subject or issue.

talks about

Is a more informal way of saying discusses.

touches on

Implies a brief or superficial mention of a topic.

comments on

Indicates an expression of opinion or reaction to something.

alludes to

Suggests an indirect or subtle reference.

deals with

Indicates that something handles or concerns a particular topic.

expounds on

Suggests a detailed and elaborate explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "speaks of" to indicate the subject or theme that is being discussed. For example, "The article "speaks of" the importance of mental health."

What are some alternatives to "speaks of"?

Alternatives include "mentions", "discusses", or "refers to", depending on the specific context.

Is "speaks of" formal or informal?

"Speaks of" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, but consider more precise verbs like "analyzes" or "examines" for highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "speaks of" and "talks about"?

"Speaks of" is slightly more formal than "talks about". "Speaks of" is often used in written contexts to refer to the subject matter of a text, while "talks about" is more common in spoken language.