spoken of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spoken of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been mentioned or discussed previously. Example: "The project we are working on has been spoken of in several meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Betsie Verwoerd has never spoken of it.

The New Yorker

He has spoken of "bringing everyone along".

The Economist

Lives to be spoken of pityingly.

The New Yorker

They hadn't spoken of it since.

The New York Times - Sports

There is another problem, less spoken of.

Independent

They are spoken of with reverence.

The Economist

We've never spoken of it aloud".

The New York Times - Science

"Western values" are spoken of with disdain.

The New York Times

Mr Obama had spoken of red lines.

Independent

Obama has spoken of "a new foundation".

The New York Times

Not spoken of.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spoken of" to emphasize that something has been communicated or discussed, especially when the focus is on the act of speaking rather than the content itself. For example: "The new policy was "spoken of" in the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "spoken of" when a simpler passive construction is more direct and clear. Instead of "The issue was "spoken of" at length", try "The issue was discussed at length".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spoken of" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that a subject has been mentioned or discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to convey that something has been communicated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spoken of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb construction that indicates a subject has been mentioned or discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it’s most frequently found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, consider using it to emphasize the act of speaking rather than the content, and avoid using it when a simpler passive construction would be clearer. Alternatives include "mentioned" and "discussed". By following these guidelines, you can ensure accurate and effective use of the phrase "spoken of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentioned

Focuses on the act of briefly referring to something.

discussed

Emphasizes a more in-depth conversation or deliberation.

referred to

Highlights the act of alluding to something specific.

talked about

Indicates a casual or informal conversation.

commented on

Implies a brief remark or observation.

addressed

Suggests a formal or direct handling of a topic.

touched on

Indicates a brief or passing mention of a subject.

alluded to

Implies an indirect or subtle reference.

raised the issue of

Highlights the introduction of a new topic for consideration.

brought up

Suggests introducing a topic into a conversation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "spoken of" is used to indicate that something has been mentioned or discussed. For example, you could say, "The project has been "spoken of" in several meetings."

What can I say instead of "spoken of"?

You can use alternatives like "mentioned", "discussed", or "referred to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "spoken of" or "spoke about"?

"Spoken of" is generally used in passive constructions, while "spoke about" is active. For example, "The issue was "spoken of"" versus "They "spoke about" the issue."

What's the difference between "spoken of" and "talked about"?

"Spoken of" often implies a more formal or indirect reference, whereas "talked about" suggests a casual conversation. "The event was "spoken of" with reverence," versus "We "talked about" the event over dinner."