spoke with

USAGE SUMMARY

"spoke with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to indicate that someone had a conversation with someone else. For example: "I spoke with my boss about the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He spoke with Interpol.

The New York Times

spoke with him curtly.

The New Yorker

He spoke with ease.

The New York Times - Sports

She spoke with aplomb.

The New Yorker

Writer spoke with Capt.

The New Yorker

Writer spoke with him.

The New Yorker

Sylvia spoke with resolve.

The New Yorker

Sarafian spoke with her.

The New Yorker

Writer spoke with her.

The New Yorker

I spoke with Brookes recently.

The New Yorker

I spoke with the I.C.E.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spoke with" to indicate a direct conversation or interaction with someone. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Ensure the context clarifies who initiated the conversation and the purpose of the interaction to avoid any ambiguity. For instance, specify the topic if relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spoke with" functions as a verb phrase indicating a communicative action. It describes the act of engaging in a conversation or dialogue with someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a standard and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spoke with" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a conversation or interaction with someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, maintains a neutral to professional tone, and serves the purpose of reporting a communicative action. While alternatives like "talked to" exist, "spoke with" remains a solid choice for both formal and informal contexts. Therefore, using it correctly, like in the examples provided by Ludwig, can add clarity and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Talked to

A more general and informal way to say "spoke with".

Conversed with

Uses a more formal verb to indicate a conversation.

Held a conversation with

A more descriptive and formal alternative.

Had a discussion with

Emphasizes the exchange of ideas during the conversation.

Communicated with

Broader term that includes various forms of communication, not just speech.

Consulted with

Implies seeking advice or information.

Interviewed

Suggests a formal questioning session.

Addressed

Implies speaking to someone directly, often in a formal setting.

Chatted with

Suggests a friendly and casual conversation.

Exchanged words with

Emphasizes a brief or minimal interaction.

FAQs

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

While both phrases are similar, "talked to" is generally considered more informal than "spoke with". You can use "talked to" in casual settings, whereas "spoke with" is appropriate for both casual and formal situations.

When is it more appropriate to use "spoke with" over other alternatives?

"Spoke with" is a versatile choice suitable when you want to indicate a direct conversation without specifying the nature of the discussion. Alternatives like "consulted with" or "interviewed" imply specific purposes for the conversation.

Can I use "spoke with" in professional writing?

Yes, "spoke with" is perfectly acceptable in professional writing. It's a clear and concise way to indicate that you had a conversation with someone, whether it was a colleague, client, or supervisor. For example, "I "spoke with" the manager about the project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "spoke with" for emphasizing a formal discussion?

If you want to emphasize the formality or importance of the discussion, you could use phrases like "held a discussion with" or "conversed with". These alternatives add a level of formality that "spoke with" might not convey on its own.