we spoke recently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we spoke recently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a conversation that took place not long ago, often in a context where you want to remind someone of that discussion. Example: "As we spoke recently about the project timeline, I wanted to follow up on the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

When we spoke recently, she praised Martelly warmly.

The New Yorker

When we spoke recently, he passed along some key ideas.

The New York Times

"This increase in the incidence of food allergy is real," Sampson said when we spoke recently.

The New Yorker

"The fantasy has to have some limits," Bick said when we spoke recently.

The New Yorker

"Some things are different, some things aren't," he told me when we spoke recently.

The New York Times - Sports

And maybe they don't like profanity,' " Volinsky told me when we spoke recently.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He spoke recently about the market.

The New York Times

She spoke recently with Sentinel reporter Mary Shanklin.

Los Angeles Times

Wright spoke recently to Religion News Service.

Huffington Post

We have spoken recently by email and over the phone.

Huffington Post

We spoke just recently and she excitedly detailed the upcoming baby christening she already was planning.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we spoke recently" to casually remind your reader of a previous conversation, setting the stage for a related point or follow-up.

Common error

While acceptable in most situations, avoid using "we spoke recently" excessively in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents. Opt for more precise language like "we discussed on [date]" or "during our conversation on [date]" for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we spoke recently" primarily functions as an introductory clause or phrase to reference a prior conversation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for initiating a related point or providing context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we spoke recently" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to reference a past conversation, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to connect a prior discussion with the current point being made, often in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to use more precise language in highly formal settings. Alternatives include phrases like "we talked recently" or "we had a conversation recently". Overall, this phrase provides a convenient way to build upon shared understanding in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we talked recently

Replaces "spoke" with "talked", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

we had a conversation recently

More formal alternative that emphasizes the interactive nature of the discussion.

we discussed it not long ago

Focuses on the topic of conversation, indicating it happened in the recent past.

we chatted lately

More informal, suggesting a casual conversation.

we touched base recently

Emphasizes a brief or initial conversation, implying further discussion may be needed.

we connected recently

Highlights the act of making contact and communicating, rather than the content of the conversation.

we conferred recently

Implies a more formal and deliberate discussion, often involving an exchange of opinions.

we had a word recently

Suggests a brief conversation, often about a specific matter.

i recently spoke with them

Changes the perspective to emphasize the speaker and the other party involved.

i caught up with them recently

Indicates a conversation where news and updates were exchanged.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we spoke recently"?

You can use alternatives like "we talked recently", "we had a conversation recently", or "we discussed it not long ago" depending on the context.

Is "we spoke recently" formal or informal?

"We spoke recently" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both professional and informal settings. However, for highly formal contexts, more precise language may be preferred.

How do I properly use "we spoke recently" in a sentence?

You can use "we spoke recently" to introduce a point related to a previous conversation, such as, "We spoke recently about the budget, and I wanted to provide an update on the allocations."

What's the difference between "we spoke recently" and "we talked recently"?

The phrases "we spoke recently" and "we talked recently" are largely interchangeable. "Spoke" can sometimes imply a more formal or directed conversation than "talked", but in most cases, the difference is negligible.