0
Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary
Is there any difference in using "speak" or "talk" ?
Hi 
I've always asked myself if using "speak" or "talk" makes any difference.
Basically the meaning should be the same, but are there situations in which it's better using one instead of the other?
When do you mostly use "speak" and when "talk"?
Could you please give me some examples?
"They were speaking about the exam"
"They were talking about the exam"
Which sounds better?
Cheers
I've always asked myself if using "speak" or "talk" makes any difference.
Basically the meaning should be the same, but are there situations in which it's better using one instead of the other?
When do you mostly use "speak" and when "talk"?
Could you please give me some examples?
"They were speaking about the exam"
"They were talking about the exam"
Which sounds better?
Cheers
Top answer
"talk" tends to sound more like an everyday conversation -- chatting amongst one's friends, for example. It's also a more common word than "speak". "speak" tends to sound like a more formal or structured conversation, or an address (for example, the Prime Minister would speak to parliament, not talk to it).
- "talk" tends to sound more like an everyday conversation -- chatting amongst one's friends, for example.
- It's also a more common word than "speak".
- "speak" tends to sound like a more formal or structured conversation, or an address (for example, the Prime Minister would speak to parliament, not talk to it).
- These are the tendencies, but remember that it's not a black-and-white distinction.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
"talk" tends to sound more like an everyday conversation -- chatting amongst one's friends, for example. It's also a more common word than "speak".
"speak" tends to sound like a more formal or structured conversation, or an address (for example, the Prime Minister would speak to parliament, not talk to it).
These are the tendencies, but remember that it's not a black-and-white d
"speak" tends to sound like a more formal or structured conversation, or an address (for example, the Prime Minister would speak to parliament, not talk to it).
These are the tendencies, but remember that it's not a black-and-white d
00
Some phrases require one or the other:
He speaks English.
We had a talk. (meaning I confronted him about something.)
He speaks English.
We had a talk. (meaning I confronted him about something.)
00
Hi,
I recently had to prepare a lesson on "Talk, speak, say, or tell" for one of my TEFL classes, because my non-native Engish speaking students were heartily confused by the choice. I admit that I had to put a lot of thought into the preparation, because this is one of those points that seems simple until you have to define it.
This is an extract from my lesson on the differenc
I recently had to prepare a lesson on "Talk, speak, say, or tell" for one of my TEFL classes, because my non-native Engish speaking students were heartily confused by the choice. I admit that I had to put a lot of thought into the preparation, because this is one of those points that seems simple until you have to define it.
This is an extract from my lesson on the differenc
0
Related Questions