well-spoken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well-spoken" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who speaks in a clear, articulate, and effective manner. Example: "The candidate was well-spoken during the interview, impressing the panel with her eloquence and confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Radiantly decent, well-spoken.

The New Yorker

Its publicists are well-spoken.

The Economist

He was quite well-spoken and careful.

The New Yorker

He's a well-spoken person.

The New York Times

Al Gore's daughters were well-spoken surrogates.

The New Yorker

The fact he is well-spoken adds to his menace.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

WELL SPOKEN Simply Speaking — by Peggy Noonan (ReganBooks, $23).

Forbes

I'm also well spoken.

The New York Times - Arts

Saturday is already well spoken for.

The New York Times

He is well educated and well spoken.

The New York Times

Well read and well spoken.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well-spoken" to positively describe someone's ability to communicate effectively and articulately. It implies both clarity and a certain level of education or refinement in speech.

Common error

Avoid using "well-spoken" sarcastically or in contexts where it might imply surprise at someone's eloquence, as this can be perceived as condescending or even offensive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "well-spoken" is as a compound adjective. It modifies a noun to describe someone possessing the ability to speak clearly, effectively, and articulately, like in "a well-spoken person." Ludwig AI confirms this usage, as indicated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well-spoken" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase that describes someone with articulate and effective communication skills. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources, indicates its frequent use in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts. It is generally appropriate for neutral to professional settings, though care should be taken to avoid using it in a condescending way. Alternatives like "articulate" and "eloquent" can provide similar but slightly different nuances. When writing, remember to use "well-spoken" to positively highlight someone's verbal abilities, and be mindful of the connotation to prevent misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulate

Focuses on the clarity and effectiveness of speech.

eloquent

Emphasizes the beauty and persuasiveness of the speech.

fluent

Highlights the ease and smoothness of speech.

persuasive

Stresses the ability to convince others through speech.

clear and concise

Indicates that the person speaks directly and to the point.

good communicator

Highlights the overall effectiveness in conveying messages.

polished speaker

Focuses on refinement and skill in public speaking.

gifted orator

Emphasizes the natural talent for public speaking.

silver-tongued

Highlights the charm and persuasiveness in speech.

vocal

A more general term indicating a willingness and ability to express oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "well-spoken" in a sentence?

You can use "well-spoken" to describe someone who speaks articulately and effectively. For example: "She is a "well-spoken" representative of her company."

What are some alternatives to "well-spoken"?

Alternatives to "well-spoken" include "articulate", "eloquent", and "fluent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "well-spoken" in a formal setting?

Yes, describing someone as "well-spoken" is generally appropriate in formal settings, as it denotes a positive attribute related to their communication skills. However, ensure the context does not imply surprise or condescension.

What's the difference between "well-spoken" and "articulate"?

While both terms describe someone who speaks clearly and effectively, "articulate" focuses more on the clarity and precision of speech, whereas "well-spoken" implies a broader sense of eloquence and refinement. Therefore, "articulate", as an alternative, focuses primarily on clarity, while "well-spoken" encompasses broader communication skill.