Speak, Talk, Say, Tell

*Speak: is used when one person addresses a group.

-He spoke to the class about the problem.

-Can you speak Chinese?

-I'd like to speak to Mr. Smith.

 

*Talk: suggests that two or more people are having a conversation

-They talked for hours about movies.

-Can I talk to Mr. Smith?

[sometiems TALK and SPEAK are used with a similar meaning]

 

*Say: is used with words "  " ->Say something to somebody

-She Said nothing all morning.

-As she entered, she said "Hello" to me.

-He said "Goodbye" and left.

 

*Tell: is used when giving information ->Tell somebody something

-She told me nothing about herself.

-Can you tell me how to get to the bank?

-you can tell the truth/ the time/ a lie/ a story (say a lie)

 

**Expressions and Related words:

-speech: not talking back to you (large group)

-speaker: to give a speech

-a talk(informal speech) noun-(small group)

-a/the saying

-be on speaking terms with sombody (negative)

-actions speak louder than words

-the facts speak for themselves

-speak/talk of the devil

-talk one's head off, talk one's ear off : talking a lot

-"say when"- tell me when you want me to stop

-say no more:Ii understand, I got it.

-easier said than done: very difficult to do

-before you could/can say ______ : I'll be back before you can say __, "really fast"