Using verbs that often cause confusion for beginners.
Hello, friends! In this article I will try to explain the difference in the use of four verbs: to speak, to talk, to tell, to say. These words really cause difficulties at the very beginning of learning. Sometimes it is not entirely clear which one to use.
Use of the word "speak".
Speak - spoken - spoken
(speak)
Most often “speak” is used in the following cases:
1) Regarding languages. For example:
Do you speak English?
(Do you speak English?)
(I speak French)
Let's speak German.
(Let's speak German)
2) If you speak through any electronic device or through the program.
I'm speaking on the phone.
(I'm on the phone)
Let's speak by skype tonight.
(Let's talk on Skype tonight)
Please, speak into the microphone.
(Please speak into the microphone)
3) Sometimes "speak" can be used instead of "talk". Generally speaking, the verbs are similar.
I talked to him. (I spoke to him)
(I talked/talked to him)
Let's speak about the science. (Let's talk about the science)
(Let's talk about science)
But in the question “What are you talking about?” It's better to use "talk".
What are you talking about? ( What are are you speaking about?)
4) There is a good stable expression - “Speaking of smth...” Talking about something.
Speaking of the weather, it’s going to improve tomorrow.
(Speaking of the weather, it will improve tomorrow)
How to say “speak to smb” or “ speak with smb"?
It's simple:
to speak with smb- American version.
Say what you like best.
Common mistakes with the word “speak”:
I spoke him that… (I told him that/I said to him that…)
(I told him that...)
I told him that he was wrong.
(I told him he was wrong)
I told him about it.
(I told/told him about it)
I said to her that I liked reading.
What did you speak? (What did you say?)
(What you said?)
I'm speaking that... (I'm saying that...)
(I say that...)
I'm not saying that you are stupid.
(I'm not saying you're stupid)
That's what I'm saying.
(That's what I'm talking about)
Use of the word "talk".
(talk, converse, talk)
If you are talking to a person face to face, then the most the right word- "talk". But as I said, this verb is very close in meaning to the word “speak”. It just takes practice. And note that with the word “talk” it is better to use “to” rather than “with”.
to talk to smb- talk to someone
I talked to him two days ago. (I spoke with him two days ago)
(I talked to him two days ago)
Now we're talking about you.
(Now we're talking about you)
Stop talking about it!
(Stop talking about it!)
I like talking to people in English.
(I like to talk to people in English)
Don't talk to me, please.
(Don't talk to me please)
Use of the word "tell".
tell - told - told
(tell, talk, report, tell)
The use of the word is clear and easy to remember.
to tell smb smth- tell someone something
I'm going to tell you a story.
(I'll tell you a story)
I told you about her.
(I told you about her)
I will tell you later.
(I'll tell you later)
Don't tell me this.
(Don't/don't tell me that)
Popular mistakes with this word:
I told him. (I told him)
(I told/told him)
I told him. (I talked to him/I spoke with him)
(I talked to him/I talked to him)
Use of the word "say".
say - said - said
(say, talk)
The verb is often confused with "speak". For example, at the beginning of my study, I always translated the phrase “I say that...” as “I’m speaking, that...” or “I speak, that...”. It is not correct. It is more correct to say “I’m saying that...”.
I'm saying to you that I was there.
(I'm telling you I've been there)
I’m not saying that I’m a good teacher.
(I'm not saying I'm a good teacher)
What did you say?
(What did you say?)
My friend says he likes singing.
(My friend says he loves to sing)
He said to me that I was a liar.
(He told me I was a liar)
Using the conjunction “that” is not necessary, but it is better to use it. It's more correct. But in colloquial speech it is often omitted. In the above example:
Didn't say to me that I was a liar.
or you can say
He said that I was a lier.
He said I was a lier. (during conversation)
As for me, I prefer the phrase “He told me that...” more than “He said to me that...”. But I think it’s up to everyone, and it depends on the situation. Both of them are true.
He told me that I was a liar (He said to me that I was a liar)
But omitting the conjunction “that” in the phrase “He told me that...” is not recommended.
Also with the verb “to tell” you must name the addressee. For example, you cannot say:
I told I liked it.
correct option
I told her that I liked it.
(I told her I like it)
This is very important point, and people very often make mistakes about this. If the interlocutor is not named, but simply uses the phrase “He said that...”, then in this case it is best to use the verb “to say.”
He said that he would go there.
(He said he would go there)
He told that he would go there.
He told he would go there.
OK it's all over Now. It's very difficult to explain the difference between these verbs, friends. This is the same as explaining the difference between the Russian words “say, talk, tell, talk.” However, I hope you found this article helpful!
Keep learning English and take care of yourself!
» Use of speak, talk, tell and say
Greeting, ladies and gentlemen! In today's article we will look at the difference between the verbs "say", "tell", "speak" and "talk". Let's find out how these words and their translation are read, analyze the meaning, examples of use and possible exceptions.
In English, these 4 verbs, which are quite similar at first glance, mean “to speak”, “to say”, but in different cases of their use there are nuances, which we will tell you about today.
Verb Say
Translation: “say” ["seɪ] - say, assert, report, recite, interpret, say.
Meaning: pronunciation of a specific thought of the interlocutor.
Use: when expressing direct speech.
Tom said to Ann, "I love you."
Volume said Ann: "I love you"
"I love you", he said to her, "Can"t live without you!"
I love you, - said he told her, “I can’t live without you!”
IN in this case the verb “say” can be placed before direct speech, at the end or in the middle, as well as before an additional subordinate clause Without indirect object.
They said they had sent a letter.
They they said that they sent a letter.
Used with a direct object in the absence of an indirect object.
Who said that?
Who is this said?
Before words like " a word», « a name" And " a sentence».
Don't say a word.
Not speak not a word.
She didn't say my name.
She doesn't said my name.
Verb tell
Translation: “tell” - tell, inform, blurt out, order.
Meaning: giving instructions to inform (transmit knowledge, tell); mentioning something said to someone. This is followed by an addition indicating the person with whom the conversation is taking place.
Use: with an indirect object indicating the person to whom the thought is expressed.
Our teacher told us an interesting story.
Our teacher told an interesting story for us.
Tell me everything about yourself!
Tell I'm all about myself!
Mom will you tell me a story tonight?
Mom, you tell me Should I have a bedtime story tonight?
If an infinitive is used after an indirect object, then the meaning of the verb is “ tell"changes a little. In such sentences it usually means " order», « order».
My brother told me to bring this copy-book.
My brother ordered Bring me this notebook.
Also, don't forget about stable expressions with "tell":
tell a lie- tell a lie;
tell the truth- tell the truth;
tell a story- tell a story;
tell fibs, tell tall tales- lie from three boxes, “fill in.”
Verb Speak
Translation: “speak” - to express oneself, to address someone, to speak out.
Meaning: displaying the fact of speech, not the content; indication of the language we speak; addressing a group of people (pronunciation of speech).
Use: Mostly used in official speech; meaning to speak (to be able to speak), to converse with someone, to talk.
She speaks 4 languages.
She speaks in four languages.
Talk to someone (with the pretext " to"), about something (with the preposition " about»).
Today I have spoken to him about a party.
I talked with him about the party Today.
Meaning to speak a language.
What language is he speaking?
What language is it in? speaks?
Meaning to give a speech somewhere.
Did Adam speak at the meeting this morning?
Adam spoke at the meeting this morning?
In the following expressions:
speak fluently- speak fluently, freely;
speak quietly / softly- speak calmly, softly;
speak quickly / rapidly- to speak fast.
Verb Talk
Translation: talk ["tɔ:k] - talk to someone, have a conversation, chat, address someone, talk empty.
Meaning: similar to the verb "speak". However, the latter is more formal, while “talk” is more conversational. Additionally, there are some situations where using the verb “speak” is simply inappropriate.
Please stop talking!
Please, stop talk(chatter).
*In this case it would not be possible to put “speak”.
Did you talk to him yesterday?
You talked with him yesterday?
What are you talking about?
What are you speaking about speak?
Use: Used primarily in colloquial speech.
Have you talked to her today?
You talked with her today?
My friend talks too much.
My girlfriend is too much chatting.
Expression " stop talking" - "stop talking", should be remembered, since the verb " is not used here speak».
talk nonsense- Say stupid things;
talk the talk and walk the walk- reinforce words with actions. / Gruzdev called himself get in the body;
talk down- calm down with words, silence, talk, convince;
talk dirty- speak obscenity.
We suggest taking a look at the table to clarify the differences between verbs.
|
Verb |
Meaning |
Use |
Example |
|
the interlocutor speaks, pronounces or expresses a certain thought |
when expressing direct speech; before an additional subordinate clause in the absence of an indirect object; with a direct object in the absence of an indirect one. |
"Plato is my friend, but truth is better friend," said Aristotle. He said he likes horror movies a lot.- He said that he really likes horror films. Who said that?- Who said that? |
|
|
give instructions, inform or when mentioning something that someone said something to someone |
with an indirect addition indicating the person to whom the thought is expressed; in the meaning of command, order (when we use an action verb in the infinitive immediately after the verb “to tell”) |
My coach told me what to do to win the contest.- My coach told me what to do to win the competition. My father told me to clean up all the mess after the party.- My father told me to clean up all this mess after the party. |
|
|
"to speak" in formal speech |
ability to speak; We conduct a dialogue with another person in a formal setting; when we talk about proficiency in any language |
She speaks four languages.- She speaks four languages. Like any man of faith, I speak from my heart.- Like any believer, I speak from my heart. Do you speak English?- Do you speak English. |
|
|
"to speak" in colloquial speech |
we point out the process of speaking itself; We are conducting an informal dialogue |
Stop talking! I can’t concentrate because of you!- Enough talking! I can't concentrate because of you! What are you talking about?- What are you talking about?! |
For a Russian person, these four verbs are difficult to understand, because... they are close in meaning, but are used in different situations and often cause confusion in the minds of English language learners. Let's try to eradicate this gap...
To tell - tell, talk
To talk - talk, talk
To say - say, speak, pronounce
To speak - talk, talk
Inveraray Castle photographer: Norm Robbie
Verb “TO TELL” (to speak, tell)
1. The verb “to tell” is always used when large volume what was said. These could be stories, narratives about something, etc...
a) Can be used with an indirect object that directly indicates the person to whom the speech is addressed
My friends told him about the journey- My friends told him about the trip.
Yesterday John told me an exciting story - Yesterday John told me an exciting story.
b) Can be used with a direct object. For example, with a single word or combination
John told me his address - John told me his address ( separate word).
His mum told me when to call - His mother told me when to call (combination of words).
2. This must be learned! Also, the verb “to tell” should always be used in the following expressions:
to tell the truth - tell the truth
to tell a lie - to tell a lie
to tell a story - narrate, tell a story
3. Attention! During translation, the meaning of the verb “to tell” will change if we have an infinitive after the indirect object. In this case, we will translate the sentence into the meaning of command, order.
Boss told me to book the tickets. - The boss told me to order tickets.
Verb “TO TALK” (to talk, talk with someone)
The verbs “to talk” and “to speak” are very similar in meaning and practically mean the same thing. The only difference is that “to talk”, as a rule, is used in colloquial speech, and “to speak” is used more in official communication and public speaking.
Has David talked to them in the morning? - Did David talk to them this morning?
We talked for hours. — We talked for hours.
Verb “TO SAY” (to say, speak, pronounce)
1. The verb “to say” is used if the volume of speech spoken is small. Most often to convey someone else's speech, and especially in various dialogues.
They said, ‘We have been in Italy’ - They said: “We were in Italy”
He said, ‘When have you've been in Italy?’ - He said: “When were you in Italy?”
2. Also, the verb “say” is used before the words “word, name, sentence”.
She didn’t say his name - She didn’t say his name.
I didn't say a word. - I didn’t say a word / didn’t say anything.
3. When indicating a specific person to whom you want to say something, after the verb “say” the preposition “to” is used.
She said hello to you - She said hello to you.
Verb “TO SPEAK” (to talk, talk)
1. Have a conversation with someone, talk, i.e. there is always a partner in a conversation.
Has he spoken to Joe today? – Did he talk to Joe today?
2. In situations where a person gives a report, makes a presentation or holds a conference. The same applies if you have to speak at meetings or give lectures. To make it easier to remember, imagine a podium. Everything related to speaking from the podium is used with “to speak”
Opportunities to express specific action not in one, but in several words - a characteristic feature of not only Russian, but also English, which is also rich in synonyms. Learning English usually does not cause much difficulty at the initial stage. However, in the future, when it becomes necessary to distinguish between structures that are similar in translation and semantics, difficulties may arise. One of the challenges that many people face at the learning stage English verbs– the difference between say tell speak talk. It should be noted that each of these verb forms is used in its characteristic cases and requires appropriate situations. Therefore, it is necessary to consider what is the difference in use of say speak talk tell, when to use say or tell, speak or talk, and what Additional features inherent in these English verbs.
Basic properties of say
The translation into Russian for the word say is “to say, to speak.” Characteristic the use of this structure is a standard situation when the spoken words of the speaker are conveyed. This verb is irregular and has following forms: say – said – said (that is, the second form coincides with the third).
Very often the verb say is used in indirect speech, since it is neutral and does not convey any special emotions. Important feature is the presence of a preposition; as a rule, say does not require an addition after itself, but if you want to add it, then you must definitely use to. For example:
· He said that he wouldn’t come till evening - He said he wouldn’t come until the evening
· She said to me that she was too tired to work - She told me that she was too tired to work
Say is also used in various set expressions:
Say for sure- say with confidence
Say hello/good bye– say “hello”, “bye”
Can't say a word- I can’t say a word
Say one's prayers- pray
Say nothing- say nothing
Features tell
When understanding what the difference is between say tell speak talk, it is necessary to separately note the verb tell. It differs from other forms in that it always provides an addition after itself, that is, it cannot be used separately in the meaning of “to speak”, since translation tell rather it will be “tell, report.” The irregular verb tell has three forms: tell – told – told.
NB! After this structure, prepositions are never used(the structures say or tell cannot be confused, and the phrase to tell to smb is impossible), but it cannot stand alone for the same reason - an addition is necessary. The scope of use also often includes indirect speech:
· Mrs. Lean told her husband that she was ready - Mrs. Lean told her husband that she was ready
· Tell me about your plans – Tell me about your plans
Here are some fixed expressions with this verb:
Tell the truth- to tell the truth
Tell a lie– lie
Tell the difference– indicate the difference
Tell one from another- distinguish one from another
Tell one's fortune- predict someone's fate
Properties of speak usage
It's no secret that the phrase “do you speak English?” translates as “do you speak English?”, and is synonymous with the expression “ can you speak English? with approximately the same translation. Accordingly, speak can also mean “to talk,” but it differs somewhat from others in that here the main meaning is given to a monologue, that is, speech that does not require an interlocutor.
However, an addition may be present, which is not prohibited. To do this, it is customary to use the completely logical preposition with, which will imply a conversation and mean “talk to someone.”
The 3 forms of the verb look like speak – spoke – spoken.
Here are some usage examples:
· She had been speaking until John came - She spoke until John came
· He didn’t want to speak with any of us - He didn’t want to talk to any of us
Trace the difference between the wrong verb speak with other synonymous constructions you can also use the example of stable expressions:
Frankly speaking- Honestly
Speak your mind- speak frankly
So to speak- so to speak
Speak for yourself- speak for yourself
Speak in a loud/low voice– speak in a loud/quiet voice
Main features of talk
The translation of talk will be “to speak, talk,” but in the meaning of dialogue, so this word, although it can appear without an addition, is infrequent, and usually requires an unexpected preposition to - talk to smb, and not with. The consonant “l” in the word is not pronounced, and the vowel sound will be long.
In addition to how talk is translated, it is important to note it grammatical features. In particular, talk in the past tense has the usual form talked, thereby being a regular verb (the third form of the verb will be similar, that is, it does not have three irregular shapes). This is what they look like verb forms talk with examples:
· She talked to her friend all day long - She talked to her friend all day
· Talk to me; tell about your girlfriend - Talk to me, tell me about your girlfriend
A number of set expressions will be useful in order to translate talk in the appropriate constructions:
Talk nonsense- Say stupid things
Talk nineteen to the dozen- speak excitedly, very quickly
Talk shop- talk about work
Talk business- talk about business
Talk behind one's back- slander behind one's back
Comparison of the verbs say and tell
A special place in English language takes the difference between say and tell. The main difference between these two structures is that the first can go without an addition, while the second cannot. In addition, say and tell and translation are different. Say – “to speak, tell”, tell – “to tell, notify”. Another significant difference between the verbs say and tell is that the first allows the preposition to after itself, while the second never.
Comparison of speak and talk
Particular attention should also be paid to the difference between speak and talk, verbs that also have a similar meaning. Despite this, they do have differences. For example, it can and often is used to denote a monologue, which cannot be done with talk. They also express tense differently: speak is an irregular verb, and talk is a regular verb. There are also additional justifications for the difference between these two structures, for example, the presence of a certain preposition (speak with - talk to). When used correctly, the interlocutor will always be able to understand the essence of the phrase spoken.
Phrase meanings
In addition to the above features of use, all these verbs can have phrasal meanings and used in different meanings and contexts.
For example, the phrasal tell can have the following meanings:
For phrasal verb speak the following options are typical:
The phrasal verb talk is like this:
All these features of four verbs with similar values and translation can be quite easily understood by remembering the rules of their use and some typical cases of use. Knowing when to use prepositions or use appropriate structures in set expressions, constructing a speech will be much easier.
Everyone knows what enormous difficulties the system of tenses in this language causes for people learning English.
However, this is not the only problem. There are also difficulties in using some verbs in the English language, which often confuse beginners.
We are talking about the use of speech verbs to speak, talk, say and tell.
Many people already know that they mean “to talk or talk,” but many have problems using them correctly in oral speech. That's why we decided to explain in detail when these verbs are appropriate.
First of all, let's get acquainted with exact translation these verbs:
- to say - to speak; say, pronounce
- to speak - to speak; talk
- to tell - talk, tell
- to talk - talk, talk
So, let's look at all the nuances of their use together.
Verb "To say"
This verb is used if you do not speak very much, i.e. the volume of what was said is small.
More often given verb used for quotation, especially in dialogical speech.
Let's look at examples in which it is necessary to say “say”, but using “tell” is simply unacceptable:
- They said, 'When have you been there?’ - They said: “When were you there?”
- Didn’t say, ‘What a good idea’ - He said: “What a good idea”
In addition, the verb “say” is placed before the words word, name and sentence. Let's look at examples:
- He didn’t say his name - He didn’t say his name.
- Do not say a word to me - Don’t say a word to me.
If you want to say exactly who is being spoken to, then after “say” put the preposition “to”, for example:
- She said bye to me - She told me bye.
Verb "To speak"
This verb has 4 main meanings:
1. “Talking with someone, having a conversation,” i.e., presupposes a partner.
- For example: Has she spoken to him today? – Did she talk to him today?
2. “Make a report” (presentation, conference, etc.)
- The Chairman spoke to the audience about the economic situation. — The chairman reported to those present about the economic situation
3. Another meaning of this verb is to speak a certain language, for example:
- Does he speak German? – Does he speak German?
- What language is she speaking? — What language does she speak?
4. Last value to speak – “to speak (in the sense of speaking at a meeting, lecture).”
- Did Anna speak at the meeting yesterday? — Did Anna speak at the meeting yesterday?
Verb "To tell"
This verb has the meaning of “to talk about something.”
It is used when the volume of what is said is large, for example, when telling stories, narrating about something, etc.
Please note that this verb is used with an indirect object indicating the person to whom the speech is addressed, for example:
- His sister told him about it - His sister told him about it.
- Our colleague told us a truly exciting story - Our colleague told us a truly exciting story.
In addition to the indirect object, a direct object can also be used, which is a separate word or a combination of them, for example:
- John told her his address - John told her his address (separate word).
- The doctor told him where to call - The doctor told him where to call (combination of words).
In addition, you need to remember that “to tell” is often used in the following expressions: to tell a story - to narrate, tell a story;totellthetruth- tell the truth;totellalie- tell a lie
If the infinitive is used after an indirect object, then the meaning of the verb changes. Then “to tell” usually means to command, to order, for example:
- His brother told him to bring a copy-book - His brother told him to bring a notebook.
Verb to talk
This verb means “to talk, talk about something with someone.” Its meaning is the same as the verb to speak. The difference is that the latter is mainly used in official cases, to talk - for colloquial speech, for example:
- Has she talked to him today? — Did she talk to him today?
- My brother talks a little - My brother speaks little (taciturn).
Practical advice
How to remember the use of these verbs? Organize according to 3 parameters:
- Volume of utterance (large – tell, small – say).
- Compatibility (the preposition to somebody (to someone) is placed only after say).
- Set expressions, for example: He didn’t say a word.
Knowing this material, You are unlikely to get confused in choosing the appropriate verb from the range of tell/ say/ speak/ talk.
Sharing experiences is a useful thing. Therefore, tell us about your methods of distinguishing these speech verbs, we are always glad to hear your opinion.
And by the way, we invite you to watch this short lesson from an ambitious, talented and simply good teacher