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28 Nov 2020
- Indonesian
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English (US)
Question about English (US)
What is the difference between talk and speak ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.
What is the difference between talk and speak ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.
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- English (US)
- Filipino
They mean the same thing. Talk is used more often in conversations. Speak is more formal and is often used in structured settings and acadmemic, literary or creative works. It's an old-fashioned version of talk.
In a normal day-to-day conversation:
"I talked to him yesterday."
In a formal setting/meeting:
"Let us hear our president speak."
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- English (US)
- Tamil
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.
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
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- English (US)
- Tamil
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 …
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