that speaks volumes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that speaks volumes" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when something is very revealing or significant, often conveying a deeper meaning or message. Example: "Her actions towards her employees speak volumes about her leadership skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"How publicists handle that speaks volumes.

The New York Times

I think that speaks volumes for refrain".

The New York Times

I think that speaks volumes about his character".

The New York Times - Sports

And the fact he's told us that speaks volumes".

The Guardian - Music

I submit that silence is a tone that speaks volumes".

The New Yorker

And averaging that and winning at the same time, that speaks volumes about my character.

The New York Times - Sports

No hysterical anti-drug plot, just a brief, subtle moment that speaks volumes.

The Guardian

Its a relationship that speaks volumes about how the west is perceived here.

The Guardian

It is a confidence trick that speaks volumes of the perpetrators of such a fraud.

The Guardian

Instead they are saying, "We're not saying it's over... .. with a "but" that speaks volumes.

The New York Times - Arts

On the latest release by Harmonia, it's the silence that speaks volumes.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that speaks volumes" when you want to imply a deeper meaning or message is conveyed without explicit words. It's effective for emphasizing the significance of an action or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "that speaks volumes" when the situation is already explicitly clear. The phrase works best when there's an underlying, unspoken message being conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "that speaks volumes" is to act as a comment or evaluation of a situation or action. It emphasizes the revealing nature of something without needing explicit explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Ludwig examples show diverse applications across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that speaks volumes" is a versatile phrase used to convey that something reveals a great deal without needing explicit explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but is also found in formal and informal settings. The phrase emphasizes the significance of an action or situation, inviting the listener or reader to recognize an underlying message. Alternatives like "that's very telling" or "that reveals a lot" can be used for variety, but "that speaks volumes" remains a powerful and commonly understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's very telling

Emphasizes the revealing nature of a situation or action, highlighting its significance.

that's highly indicative

Focuses on the suggestive power of something, indicating a strong connection to an underlying truth.

that reveals a lot

Directly states that something exposes significant information, often about a person's character or a situation's nature.

that's quite revealing

Highlights the disclosing aspect of something, suggesting it uncovers hidden aspects.

that's a significant indication

Points out something as a noteworthy sign or signal, emphasizing its importance.

that implies a great deal

Suggests that something hints at a larger, often unspoken, reality.

that underscores the point

Emphasizes and reinforces a particular idea or argument, making it more prominent.

that shows a lot

A more direct way of saying something demonstrates or proves a point significantly.

that's quite expressive

Focuses on how something effectively communicates a message or feeling without words.

it's a clear sign

Highlights something as an obvious indicator or omen, signaling a particular outcome or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "that speaks volumes" in a sentence?

Use "that speaks volumes" when you want to express that something reveals a great deal about a situation or person without needing further explanation. For example, "Her dedication to the project speaks volumes about her work ethic."

What does "that speaks volumes" mean?

The phrase "that speaks volumes" means that something reveals a great deal, often without words. It implies that the action or situation is very telling or significant.

What are some alternatives to "that speaks volumes"?

You can use alternatives like "that's very telling", "that reveals a lot", or "that's highly indicative" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "that spoke volumes"?

Yes, "that spoke volumes" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. It would be used to describe something that revealed a great deal in the past.