Today we will look at verbs in detail say, tell, talk, speak in English. Let's talk about the difference between them and how to use them correctly. Many people make mistakes in using these verbs, because they are so similar to each other and it is not entirely clear in what situations to use this or that verb. Let's look at each of them separately.

Verbs say and tell in English

Verb say - talk, say used to express something using words. In the past tense it is used as said - said.

Where are they going? She didn't say. Where are they going? She didn't say.

What did she say?

What she said? I want to say something.

I want to say something. I said that their new car is amazing.

I said their new car was amazing. Did he say how it happened?

Did he say how it happened? I said that I would meet him on Saturday.

Verb I said that I would meet him on Saturday. tell - say, tell used to give information to a person. Tell is always followed by the person to whom the information is presented. This could be a name or a pronoun. In the past tense it is used as.

told - say, tell Where are they going? She didn't tell me.

Where are they going? She didn't tell me. What did she tell you?

What did she tell you? I want to tell you something.

I want to tell you something. He told us an interesting story.

He told us an interesting story. She told me to do it.

She told me to do it. I told him that I would meet him on Saturday.

I told him that I would meet him on Saturday.

Verbs talk and speak in English

The verb speak and talk are synonymous, so they can be used interchangeably. But there is a slight difference in some cases. Speak is more formal. And the verb talk is most often used in everyday life. These verbs are used with the prepositions to, with, about. If we are talking about languages, then in this case speak is always used.

The verb talk is regular, so to form the past tense you just need to add the ending -ed - talked

Can I speak with you? Can I talk to you?

Can I talk with you? Can I talk to you (chat)?

Can we talk about your brother? Can we talk about your brother? By adding the preposition about after the verb talk, we can add some additional information.

They speak English. They speak English.

I speak four languages. I speak four languages.

In the English language, there are pairs, triplets, and sometimes entire groups of words that can be combined into one semantic family. They have similar meanings, but still have limitations in use. In this article we will talk about verbs, the meaning of which in one way or another is “to speak, to say.”

There are four English verbs that can be translated as “to speak, to say”:

He said that he would come back in June. - He said he would return in June.(to say)

Can you tell me what should I do? -Can you tell me what to do?(to tell)

You need to talk. - You should talk.(to talk)

Can you speak louder? -Can you speak louder?(to speak)

These four words are not interchangeable shades of the same Russian “to speak”. There are not only differences in meaning, but also grammatical restrictions.

Verb to Say in English

The verb is translated into Russian as speak, tell, say out loud, report.
In English it is associated with the transfer of some information, so the verb is often to say can be found in indirect speech:

Oliver says that he likes to dance. - Oliver says he loves to dance.

But indirect speech is by no means a prerequisite for using this verb in an English sentence. We repeat that to say has the meaning say something. We can use it to express our thoughts:

Kate Moss didn't say that at all. - Kate Moss didn’t say anything like that at all.

What is Lessy trying to say? -What is Lassie trying to say?

Verb to Tell in English

Verb to tell very close in value to the previous one. In the dictionary you can find its meaning - tell, talk, report:

Tell me what do you really think about him. - Tell me what you really think about him.

A distinctive characteristic of this verb in the meaning of “tell” is the obligatory indication of the person to whom this information is transmitted, that is, “tell anyone”:

Phoeby told me that she would not come to the party. - Phoebe told me that she won't come to the party.(told me)

I will tell you the details later. “I’ll tell you all the details later.”(tell you)

English verb to tell often used in orders or urgent requests, meaning “to order something to be done, to ask something to be done.” In this case, it requires after itself a semantic verb in the initial form with a particle to:

Tell him to get out of here. - Tell him to get out of here.

I'll tell him to help Johnny. - I'll ask him to help Johnny.

There are some exceptions that exempt the verb to tell from obligatory addition (say anyone). They are fixed expressions that need to be remembered. Here are some of them:

tell a lie - to lie, to tell a lie
tell the truth - tell the truth
tell the time - say what time it is
tell the future - predict the future

The verb to speak in English

Verb to speak can be translated into Russian as expressing oneself, speaking. This word implies the physical and mental ability of a person to perform speech acts:

Mary doesn't speak yet. She's only one. - Mary isn't talking yet. She is only one year old.

Speak! It’s the only opportunity to change the game. - Speak up! This is the only opportunity to replay everything.

There are a number of circumstances in which the use of this English verb will be preferable, and sometimes mandatory:

• speak a foreign language

In this kind of sentences, only the verb to speak is used:

Does your wife speak French? - Does your wife speak French?

• public performance

You probably know the noun speech- speech. It is closely related to precisely this meaning of the English verb “to speak”:

My grandmamma loves to speak in public. - My grandma loves speaking in front of an audience.

• when talking to someone about something

In this case, we are already faced with prepositions of control, each of which will give the verb to speak specific shade:

I'll speak to him about his behavior. - I'll talk to him about his behavior.(speak to... about...)

The facts speak for themselves. - The facts speak for themselves.(speak for)

Verb to talk in English

This English verb means “to chat,” “to talk,” “to discuss something.” This verb has a more informal connotation compared to to speak and is practically synonymous with it. To talk can often be found in colloquial speech:

Mary doesn't talk yet. She's one year old. = Mary doesn’t speak yet. She's only one. - Mary doesn't speak yet. She is only one year old.

Also verb to talk preferably used to mean “discuss something”:

Please, don’t talk shop at the party. Let's have some fun. - Please don't start talking about work at the party. Let's have fun.

There are a couple of great English idioms with the verb talk that will be useful to you in communication:

to talk nineteen to the dozen - talk excitedly, without stopping

to talk nonesense - talk nonsense

So, you have learned about the four main ways to “speak” in English. Let's summarize: speak = talk with a hint of greater informality, tell is always used with someone to whom we are saying something, say is the best way to convey your message without “additional requirements”.

We wish you to speak English a lot and correctly and always with pleasure!

Victoria Tetkina

We all know that in different languages ​​there are words with similar semantics. English is no exception.

And today we will discuss the problem of using words such as “talk”, “speak”, “tell” and “say”. They mean almost the same thing. Yet there is a distinct difference between them.

I. When to use SPEAK?

The verb “to speak” is mostly used in formal speech.

Let's consider several cases of its use.

1. We use “to speak” when we meanthe very opportunity to speak.Consider the sentence below.My younger brother speaks slowly because of a head injury he suffered in an accident.
   (My younger brother speaks slowly due to a head injury he received in an accident.)
   
   In this case, we use the verb “to speak”, indicating a person’s ability to speak and the manner of speaking.
2. It is also necessary to use “to speak” when we are conducting a dialogue with another person. For example:I need to speak to you about your test results – they are awful.
   (I need to talk to you about your test results; they are terrible.)
   
   It should be noted here that we use “to speak” with the prepositions “to” (“speak to you”) and “about” (“...about your test results”) - these prepositions should become marker words for those cases when you should insert “to speak”.
3. Another case of using the verb “to speak” is when we talk about proficiency in a language. That's why we ask foreigners: “Do you speak English?”

II. When to use TALK?

The use of the verb “to talk” is quite similar to the use of “to speak”, but the verb “talk” is less formal and belongs to colloquial speech.

And yet there are a number of cases when you should say “talk” instead of “speak”.

1. Stop talking – I can’t concentrate because of you!
   (Stop talking - I can't concentrate because of you!)
   
   Here we insert “talk” because we are pointing to the process of speaking itself. And, based on the meaning of the sentence, this annoys us.
2. Did you talk to your daughter?
   (Have you talked to your daughter?)
   The use of “talk” here is explained by the informal conduct of dialogue.
3. What are you talking about?
   (What are you talking about?)
   The same.

III. When to use SAY?

Unlike “speak” and “talk,” the verb “to say” has a slightly different meaning. It is used when our interlocutor wants to voice some thought or convey certain information. The use of “say” is necessary in cases where we:

1. Add direct speech or quote.

   “Plato is my friend, but truth is better friend,” said Aristotle.
   (“Plato is my friend, but truth is dearer,” said Aristotle).

2. We introduce indirect speech. For example:

   He said he likes horror films very much.
   (He said that he really likes horror films).
   
   This is very similar to the case of using direct speech, except that the part that could be used in direct speech is turned into an object.

3. We use the direct object without using the indirect one. Something like this:
   Who said that?
   (Who said that?)

IV. When to use TELL?

This verb is used when we need to report, announce or let someone know about a certain thing. As a rule, after the verb “to tell” there is an addition that denotes our direct interlocutor.

For example:

Why didn’t you tell us about your problems earlier?
(Why didn't you tell us about your problems earlier?)

But there are several other uses of this verb.

1. We use “to tell” with direct and indirect objects when someone conveys a certain idea to us.

   My coach told me what to do for winning the contest.
   (My coach told me what to do to win the competition).
   
   The direct object here is “what to do”.

2. Other meanings of the verb “to tell” are “to ask” or “to order.” This means that we have an order with direct instructions.

   My father told me to clean up all the mess after the party.
   (My dad told me to clean up all this mess after the party).
   
   The meaning of “order” is given when we use an action verb in the infinitive immediately after the verb “to tell,” because we have something to do and need to do it now.

Thus, despite almost the same meaning, these verbs have different rules and conditions for their use. It is quite important to remember them when using these verbs both in speech and in writing.

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 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 in the absence of an 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 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 formal 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.

Table: Difference between Say, Tell, Speak and Talk

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. “Plato is my friend, but truth is dearer,” 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?!

Every day we talk to someone/tell something. In English there are the words speak, talk, say, tell, which are translated as “speak/talk/say/tell”. They are all very close in meaning, and often we can use one word instead of another - this will not be considered an error. To remember the difference, you can cram the rules, but it’s better to take courses for adults at the Easy Speak school. With us you will practice these words until they become automatic.

But there is still a difference between them. Let's look at which one.

Say

Pronunciation and translation

Say [ˈseɪ] / [sei] - say, talk.

Meaning of the word
Express an idea, feeling, etc. using words.

Use
We use the word say when we want to speak out about something. At the same time, we just want to convey some information; it doesn’t matter to us what they answer us or whether they answer us at all. Most often this is a short statement (one/a couple of sentences). For example: “Her boss said to finish the project by Friday” (as you can see, he was just conveying information, and did not want to get any answer).

Example

‘I am so tired,’ she said.
“I'm so tired,” she said.

He said that he lived in Moscow.
He said that he lives in Moscow.

Tell

Pronunciation and translation

Tell / [tel] - talk, tell.

Meaning of the word
Provide information, history.

Use
We use the word tell when we want to tell something (a story, a fairy tale, etc.). Again, this word does not imply an answer; we are conducting a monologue. Only now we are telling some kind of long story, and not just making a statement. For example: “He told me how his day went” (it was a long story, the person wanted to convey some information, the answer is not so important in this situation).

Example

Tell me that story.
Tell me that story.

He told me about his life in Germany.
He told me about his life in Germany.

Speak

Pronunciation and translation

Speak / [speak] - talk, talk.

Meaning of the word
Have a dialogue with someone.

Use
Using the word speak, we mean two-way communication: you speak and they answer you. For example: “She talked to her boss” (they had a dialogue).

Since we learn any language specifically for communication (to say something and receive an answer), then we also speak languages. For example: “She speaks English fluently.”

Note. Usually we speak with by someone.

Example

I spoke with my colleague yesterday.
I talked to my colleague yesterday.

They spoke with reporters.
They spoke to reporters.

Talk

Pronunciation and translation

Talk [ˈtɔːk] / [current] - talk, talk.

Meaning of the word
Have a dialogue with someone.

Use
Word talk used when we say something and they answer us, that is, when we conduct a dialogue with someone. Usually this word implies that we know the person we are talking to well (friend, relative, etc.). For example: “He talked to his friend.”

Note. We always talk to by someone.

Example

I need to talk to you.
I need to talk to you.

He talked to his sister.
He talked to his sister.

What is the difference?

Word say we use it when we want to convey some information, and it doesn’t matter to us what they will answer us or whether they will answer us at all. Usually this is some small statement. For example: “She said to come at 10.”

Word tell we also use it when we want to convey some information, and it doesn’t matter to us what they answer. Only now this is not a separate statement, but a full-fledged, long story. For example: “He talked about his trip to Europe.”

Word speak unlike the previous ones, it implies a dialogue - we speak, they answer us. This word is formal. For example: “They talked to their foreign colleagues.”

Speak is also used when we say that we can speak a certain language, since knowledge of a language implies two-way communication. For example: “She speaks three languages.”

Word talk has the same meaning as speak - we are conducting a dialogue with someone. The only difference is that it is not so formal, usually we are talking with someone we know well (friends, family). For example: “I need to talk to my sister about this.”

Reinforcement task

Fill in the correct words in the following sentences. Leave your answers in the comments below the article.

1. She ___ me about her holidays.
2. I need ___ with my boss.
3. She ___ in French.
4. I talked to my friend.
5. He ___ that he won’t come today.
6. They ___ about the conference.