spoke about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spoke about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone discussed or mentioned a topic. For example: My friend and I spoke about our plans for the summer vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bernstein then spoke about collaboration.

The New York Times - Arts

She spoke about herself.

The New Yorker

He spoke about dying.

The New Yorker

Barnes spoke about this.

The New Yorker

He spoke about morality.

The New Yorker

"I spoke about football.

Independent

Gardam spoke about L. A.

The New Yorker

"That's all we spoke about.

Independent

Then we spoke about dreams.

The New Yorker

"And he spoke about it.

The New York Times

Professors spoke about his promise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spoke about", consider the level of formality required by the context. "Discussed" might be more appropriate in formal settings, while "talked about" is suitable for informal conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "spoke on" when you mean "spoke about". "Spoke on" is typically used for addressing an audience on a subject, whereas "spoke about" is used for discussing a topic in general.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spoke about" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of discussing or mentioning a topic. It connects a subject with the content of their speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spoke about" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate the act of discussing or mentioning a topic. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a correct and usable phrase in English writing. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations, although a more formal option like "discussed" might be preferable in academic or scientific writing. While common, it's essential to avoid the error of using "spoke on" when "spoke about" is intended. Understanding its function and context helps ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talked about

A more common and general alternative, implying a less formal discussion.

discussed

A more formal and concise alternative, suggesting a structured conversation.

mentioned

Indicates a brief reference to something, rather than a full discussion.

addressed

Suggests a formal or public discussion of a specific issue or topic.

commented on

Implies a brief remark or observation about something.

touched on

Indicates a brief or superficial treatment of a subject.

elaborated on

Suggests a detailed explanation or expansion of a topic.

conversed about

A more formal alternative to "talked about", implying a polite exchange.

expressed views on

Highlights the sharing of opinions or perspectives on a particular subject.

gave an account of

Suggests a detailed description or narrative of an event or topic.

FAQs

How can I use "spoke about" in a sentence?

You can use "spoke about" to describe a conversation or discussion on a particular topic. For example, "The professor "spoke about" the importance of climate change."

What's a more formal alternative to "spoke about"?

A more formal alternative to "spoke about" is "discussed". It implies a more structured and serious conversation.

When should I use "spoke on" instead of "spoke about"?

"Spoke on" is used when addressing an audience on a specific subject, while "spoke about" is used for general discussions. For example, "He "spoke on" the topic of renewable energy at the conference."

What are some other phrases similar to "spoke about"?

Similar phrases include "mentioned", "addressed", and "commented on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.