"speak English" vs "speak in English"

Question

Dear all,1. Can you speak English?2. Can you speak in English?3. I want to learn how to speak English.4. I want to learn how to speak in English.Are the above sentences all correct? Is there any difference in  meaning if "in" is used??Thanks in advance

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

1. Can you speak English?

2. Can you speak in English?

3. I want to learn how to speak English.

4. I want to learn how to speak in English.

Are the above sentences all correct? Yes.

Is there any difference in meaning if "in" is used?? Usually, 'in' is not used. It doesn't sound natural in any of these examples.

Let me comment by offering a couple of examples.

If I were in a foreign country, and I walked into a hotel, I might say to the man behind the counter, 'Can you speak English?'

Now consider a context where different languages are being discussed. You are German. Yous say something in Japanese. I might naturally say to you, 'Can you say that in English?'

Best wishes, Clive

CalifJim · Answer

There's actually very little difference, and it's very subtle.

speak [language] is a non-contrastive do speaking using [language]. This form is usually used with knowing and learning.

I [ know / learned ] how to speak English.

speak in [language] is a contrastive communicate using this method rather than another. This form is used more often when there is a choice. The following example uses speak in as conduct the meeting in.

Let's see. Everybody here speaks both Chinese and English. What is your preference for our meeting? Should we speak in Chinese or should we speak in English?

CJ

Khoff · Answer

Jim, your acumen never ceases to amaze me!

CalifJim · Answer

Thanks!

I hope that compliment doesn't prove to be premature. I don't think I've completely refined the difference between those -- yet. Still cogitating.

CJ

Joey_five · Answer

thank you for the explanations. It's much clearer now.

Marius Hancu · Answer

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Anonymous · Answer

'Should we speak Chinese or English?' Would sound more natural.

Anonymous · Answer

Exactly. What about a situation if you ask your students: How often do you speak in English. (You mean: how often do you practise speaking (in) English?

Anonymous · Answer

Hi welcome to you.i want to learn speak in english

Anonymous · Answer

Hello. I wanted to speak english perfectly. Can you hepl me in speaking english

"speak English" vs "speak in English"

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