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Guest Posted 23 years ago
Grammar

Speaking to/with

I have always been of the opinion that when I make a telephone call I should ask to speak 'to' my intended correspondent, and that to ask to speak 'with' is an Americanisation. Can someone please give me the definitive answer on this?
Many thanks
  

Top answer

Both are acceptable, it is not Americanisation of anything to use ' with ' . ' to ' just means speak from your position to the other end.

— Whl626

  • Both are acceptable, it is not Americanisation of anything to use ' with ' .
  • ' to ' just means speak from your position to the other end.
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6 Answers
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Both are acceptable, it is not Americanisation of anything to use ' with 'Emotion: smile. ' to ' just means speak from your position to the other
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Have now registered, it was me who posted the original question. Thankyou for the reply. I appreciate it but it is extremely unusual to ask to 'speak with' some one here in the UK. I appreciate both are correct but am looking for a uniquely UK-centric answer here...
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Even though I am not a native speaker, logically speaking, speak ' with ' sounds a little odd to me too Emotion: stick out tongue
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To speak 'to' someone is gramatically incorrect. The correct way, especially when making a phone call, is to ask to speak 'with' someone, thereby engaging in conversation rather than speaking 'at' someone.

Morally I don't have a problem with it, though.
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May I just point out that the above message was posted by my friend with whom I am arguing about this, so please ignore...
Still not resolved!!
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If you want to talk to the boss while asking his receptionist at the desk. Then ' May I speak " with " Mr. ... ' would be appropriate
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