Did they

In your sentences you would use the present (speak). Because they all spoke English would mean that they could speak English but can't anymore, or they all physically spoke English at that moment in time.

In a paragraph the past might make more sense but as individual sentences stick to the present tense.

At a seminar I attended, all the speakers spoke in English. Spoke in Engl

Hi,

Did they speak English?

Yes, they all speak English. No.

Or

Yes, they all spoke English. Yes.

Note the following are just incomplete parts of a sentence.

Since they all speak English. 'speak' is not correct.

Or

Since they all Spoke English. Yes. But no capital.

Talking about a past event. If you want to sp

Hey guys,

I'm getting a lot of different answers on this topic, so could somebody please clarify which is the right answer?

I've been told to stick with the tenses but I've also been told that spoke means that they no longer speak english anymore. Experts please clarify this dilemma.

Clive's knowledge is greater than mine so follow his advice.

That's cool but aren't you a native speaker?

Yes I'm English. Clive is an English Teacher.

You could always message one of the other moderators to have a look but Clive is a moderator so I'm sure he'll be right.

Hi,

Here's your original post.

Did they speak English?

Yes, they all speak English. Or

Yes, they all spoke English.

...

...

Talking about a past event.

You seem doubtful that the answer would be in Simple Past. Are you perhaps thinking of some specific or unusual context? eg When did this past event happen? 10 years ago?

Not doubtful just want to be sure.

The event happened a year ago during my visit to South Africa.

Thanks!

Hi,

In a context like that, here are possible responses.



Q - When you went to South Africa a year ago, did they speak English?



A - Yes, they did. (focus is on the past event)



Q - When you went to South Africa a year ago, did they speak English?



A - Yes, they speak (or ever