1 B1 neutral
to mention or discuss something
"We hardly ever speak of that summer now."
inseparable
speak of
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
to mention, discuss, or suggest something
In plain English
to talk about something or show that something exists
What does "speak of" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic formal
to show or indicate a particular quality or feeling
"His tired eyes spoke of long nights and hard work."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
in the phrase 'nothing/not much to speak of,' to be worth mentioning
"The hotel room was clean, but the view was nothing to speak of."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to speak concerning something
Actually means
to talk about something or show that something exists
Usage tip
Common in slightly formal speech and in fixed expressions like 'not to speak of' and 'nothing to speak of.'
Words that pair with "speak of"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
the issue the past love experience nothing matter
How to conjugate "speak of"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
speak of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
speaks of
he/she/it
Past simple
spoke of
yesterday
Past participle
spoken of
have + pp
-ing form
speaking of
continuous
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