Speak about vs Speak of

Many people are confused by these two phrases.

But don’t worry. The explanation is very simple.

Both “speak about” and “speak of” mean exactly the same thing: to have a conversation about something.

However, they are not used in the same way.

To learn more, read on.

 

Speak about (something)

“Speak about” has a simple meaning: to have a conversation about something.

When you “speak about” something, you are saying words to someone in order to share information or discuss a topic.

Kelly spoke about her experience on the council. He never spoke about his life in Sweden. The spokesman refused to speak about the scandal.

 

Speak of (something)

“Speak of” has exactly the same meaning: to have a conversation about something.

However, the way we use these two phrases is slightly different, depending on the context.

Moreover, you can use “speak of” in an idiom “speak highly of someone”, but you cannot say “speak highly about someone”.

 

Difference #1

“Speak of” is a more formal expression.

We spoke of our concerns and expectations. The victim spoke of her gruesome experience. The King spoke of public and personal issues and praised those who help others.

 

Difference #2

“Speak of” can come across as a bit old-fashioned.

It is often found in literary contexts.

Let us never speak of this ever again. They spoke not of her beauty, but of her weirdness.

 

Difference #3

When we say positive or negative things about someone, we use “speak of”.

Martin spoke highly of you. (= said good things about you) His wife never spoke ill of him. (= never said bad things about him)

 

Difference #4

“Speak of” can also be used to mean that something can serve as evidence or an indication of something else.

Note that this is a literary/poetic expression. You are unlikely to use it in common speech.

The warm glow of the sun speaks of hope, renewal, and restoration. Everything in this house speaks of poverty: old furniture, worn carpets, chipped plates.

 

Summary

• “Speak about” is the usual way of saying that you are having a conversation about something.
• “Speak of” has the same meaning, but is usually only used in formal or literary contexts. It can also be used when we say positive or negative things about someone else.