Differences between the words 'speak', 'talk' and 'say'

Hello, everyone.

Thank you very much for being here,

watching my new video about differences between speak,

talk and say.

English learners tend to confuse these three words.

If you do, keep on watching.

And remember, in your speaking and writing exams, the more accurate

your use of the language, the better your scores will be.

Are you ready to start?

Say or speak? Talk or say? Speak or talk?

The verbs speak and talk both mean say words, but which do we use, and when?

One difference is linked to the context and suggests

the situation is more formal or informal.

Let’s take a look at speak. Let’s compare. I need to speak to you.

This suggests the situation is more formal.

For example, it is possible that the speaker does not know you very well,

this is a formal setting such as work, what the person has to say is important

or serious.

I need to talk to you.

This suggests the situation is more informal.

For example, it is possible that the speaker is your friend,

the speaker is someone you don’t know very well,

but what they have to say is informal.

We often use speak for more formal presentations or lectures,

and we use talk for informal ones.

Dr John Smith will speak about teaching English.

Mary will talk about the marketing plan.

When we refer to languages, we use speak. How many languages do you speak?

We use speak on the telephone.

Hello, is Fran there? Who is speaking? My name is Angela.

Both speak and talk can be used with the preposition to.

For example, I need to speak to you. Can I talk to you?

You can also use the preposition about, with either talk or speak.

For example, let’s talk about our relationship.

They are here to speak about mental health.

We use say in different ways in reported speech.

Say focuses on the words someone says. Hello, she said.

Say doesn’t take an indirect object. Instead, we use a phrase with to.

And then she said to me, Troofer is a dog.

Let’s recap.

Choose the correct answer. Who is talking? Who is speaking?

I love you, she spoke. I love you,

she said. I need to say to you. I need to talk to you.

I hope these tips help.

If they do, please do not forget to like the video and subscribe to the channel.

We are posting new videos every week. See you in the next video. Bye.