Speak volumes means to say a lot, to show something very clearly. The subject is usually not a person but an action, a detail or even a silence: without any words, it reveals someone's character or what a situation is really like. The expression is neutral and can be used both in conversation and in an IELTS essay.
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action/fact + speaks volumes (about + noun); speak volumes for + someone's quality
- The fact that he never asked about my trip speaks volumes about our friendship.
- Customers keep coming back to this tiny café, which speaks volumes about its service.
- Her silence when I mentioned the promotion spoke volumes.
What changed
First versionThe way he talks to waiters speaks about a lot.
RevisionThe way he talks to waiters speaks volumes.
Speaks about a lot may look like a natural way to say “tells us a lot”, but English doesn't use it. Instead of about a lot, use the idiom: speaks volumes. A simple neutral option also works: says a lot about him.
Speak volumes about shows something about a person or situation, good or bad: His messy desk speaks volumes about him. Speak volumes for sounds like praise and highlights a strength: Her quick recovery speaks volumes for the doctors.
Your turn
Nobody on the team offered to help the new colleague, and that ___ about the atmosphere in the office.
Show the answer
spoke volumes — The fact that nobody helped the newcomer says a lot about the atmosphere, so spoke volumes fits. Spoke up means “said something, gave your opinion” and describes a person, but the subject here is that, the fact itself.
Describe an action or habit of someone you know that says a lot about their character. Say what exactly they do and what quality it shows.
My neighbour always returns borrowed tools cleaner than they were, which speaks volumes about how responsible she is.
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