spoken with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spoken with" is both grammatically and stylistically correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase "spoken with" to refer to the way someone speaks, generally when that manner of speaking is considered impressive or noteworthy. For example, "She spoke with such grace and eloquence that I was amazed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Spoken with glee: "Terrified!

The Guardian

The firm has also spoken with Southeastern.

The New York Times

He has not spoken with reporters since.

The New York Times - Sports

But we have spoken with him.

The New York Times - Sports

"Nobody I've ever spoken with mentioned him.

The New York Times

I've never spoken with a teleprompter before.

The New York Times

GONZALES: I have spoken with Mr. Bogden.

The Washington Post

"I haven't spoken with him," he said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He spoke with Interpol.

The New York Times

spoke with him curtly.

The New Yorker

Writer spoke with him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spoken with" when you want to emphasize the act of communicating verbally with someone or something. It's often used to indicate a formal or meaningful interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "spoken with" when a more direct active voice construction would be clearer. For example, instead of saying "The issue was spoken with extensively", consider "We discussed the issue extensively."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spoken with" typically functions as part of a verb phrase, indicating a completed action of communication or conversation. It often follows an auxiliary verb (e.g., "have", "has", "had") to form the perfect tense. Ludwig's examples show that "spoken with" is used in diverse contexts to indicate the successful completion of a verbal exchange.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spoken with" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction used to indicate a completed verbal exchange. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly employed in diverse contexts. It functions as part of a verb phrase to show that a conversation, discussion, or interaction has occurred, emphasizing the completion of the communication. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. While commonly used, writers should be mindful of choosing the most direct voice, and ensure usage highlights an interactive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talked with

A more general and informal term for having a conversation.

conversed with

Uses a more formal verb to indicate a conversation.

had a discussion with

Emphasizes the exchange of ideas and opinions.

engaged in dialogue with

A more formal way to express having a conversation or discussion.

communicated with

Focuses on the act of conveying information, not necessarily verbally.

consulted with

Suggests seeking advice or information from someone.

addressed

Focuses on speaking to a group or individual about a specific issue.

corresponded with

Implies communication through letters or emails.

liaised with

Indicates establishing a working relationship and communicating regularly.

expressed oneself to

Highlights the act of conveying personal feelings or opinions.

FAQs

How to use "spoken with" in a sentence?

You can use "spoken with" to describe having a conversation or discussion with someone. For example, "I have "spoken with the manager" about the issue" or "She "spoken with authority" on the subject".

What can I say instead of "spoken with"?

Alternatives include "talked with", "conversed with", "had a discussion with", or "communicated with", depending on the context.

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

Both "spoken to" and "spoken with" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Spoken to" generally implies a one-way communication or addressing someone, while "spoken with" suggests a two-way conversation or discussion.

When should I use "spoken with" instead of just "spoke to"?

Use "spoken with" when you want to emphasize the interactive nature of the conversation. "Spoke to" is more appropriate when highlighting the act of addressing someone, regardless of whether a reciprocal conversation took place.