Skip to main content

Speak or talk?

Speak and talk: uses​

The verbs speak and talk both generally mean 'say words', but there are some small differences in how they are used. Speak is more formal than talk.

Compare

SentenceMeaning
I need to speak to you.Formal. It is possible that:
1. the speaker does not know you very well.
2. this is in a formal setting, such as work.
3. what the person has to say is important/serious.
I need to talk to you.Informal. It is possible that:
1. the speaker is your friend.
2. the speaker is someone you don't know very well, but what they have to say is informal.

We usually use speak for more formal presentations and lectures, and talk for more informal ones:

  • Dr Graham Foster will speak about the history of the region.
  • Kyle is going to talk us through the benefits of the software and then Liz will talk about the marketing plan.

When we refer to languages, we use speak:

  • How many languages do you speak?
  • Not: How many languages do you talk?
  • I wish I could speak Italian.
  • Not: ... talk Italian.

Speak usually only focuses on the person who is producing the words:

  • He spoke about the importance of taking exercise and having a good diet.

Talk focuses on a speaker and at least one listener, and can mean 'have a conversation':

  • I hope I can meet you to talk about my plans for the company.
  • Not: I hope I can meet you to speak about my plans ...

Compare

SentenceMeaning
He always looks down when he is speaking.The focus is on his use of his voice to produce words. Speak focuses only on the person who is producing the words.
I was talking to Maria yesterday.The focus is on the use of words as part of a conversation with someone else.

We use speak on the telephone:

  • A: Is Rita there?
    B: Who's speaking?
    A: My name's Anna. I work with her.
  • Not: Who's talking?
  • Hello, can I speak to Laura, please?

Speak and talk with prepositions​

We usually use to after speak and talk. In more formal situations, people sometimes use with:

  • I need to speak to you about this conference next week.
  • I was talking to Richard Moss the other day about the golf club.
  • May I speak with you for a moment? (rather formal)

Typical errors​

  • We don't use talk when referring to foreign languages:

    • I can speak German and Spanish.
    • Not: I can talk German and Spanish.

  • We don't use speak to focus on conversation:

    • They can talk and get to know each other over dinner.
    • Not: They can speak and get to know each other ...