Grammar Lessons: When to Use Say, Tell, Speak and Talk

We all know grammar is important. It’s the difference between sounding like a well-educated adult and a petulant child. But when it comes to the four words say, tell, speak, and talk, it can be confusing especially for ESL learners. In this blog post, we will explore the different uses for say, tell, speak, and talk. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of when to use each word in order to sound more intelligent and articulate.

The Different Uses of Say, Tell, Speak and Talk

The English language has many words that have similar meanings but are used in different ways. This can be confusing for English learners, as they may not know when to use each word.

Here is a breakdown of the four words say, tell, speak and talk, and when to use each one:

When to Use Say

This verb is used to express what someone says. For example:

He said that he was hungry.

When to Use Tell

This verb is used when you relay information to someone. For example:

I told my friend about the party.

When to Use Speak

This verb is used when you communicate verbally with someone. For example:

Can you speak quietly? I’m trying to study.

When to Use Talk

This verb is used when you have a conversation with someone. For example:

We talked for hours about our shared interests.

Common Mistakes with Say, Tell, Speak and Talk

The English verbs say, tell, speak and talk can all be used to communicate information or ideas. However, each verb has a different connotation so it is important to choose the right verb for the situation.

One common mistake is using the verb say when what you really mean is tell. Say implies that the information is being communicated without any special emphasis or importance, while tell implies that the information is being conveyed with more urgency or importance.

Another common mistake is using speak when what you really mean is talk. Speak suggests formal communication, while talk suggests informal communication. So if you’re having a casual conversation with a friend, you would use talk, but if you’re giving a speech to a group of people, you would use speak.

Tips for Using Say, Tell, Speak and Talk Correctly

When it comes to choosing between say, tell, speak and talk, many English learners find themselves unsure. The good news is that there is a general rule that can help you make the right choice.

Here are some tips for using say, tell, speak and talk correctly:

1. Say refers to saying something in a neutral way. It doesn’t imply any specific emotion or intention. For example: I said goodbye to my friend and left the party.
2. Tell usually implies that you are conveying information to someone else. It can also be used when you give directions or orders. For example: I told my brother to clean his room.
3. Speak suggests that you are communicating with someone orally. It is often used when giving a speech or presentation. For example: The president will speak at the conference tomorrow.
4. Talk can be used in a similar way to speak but it is more often used in casual conversation. It can also mean ‘to chat’. For example: I talked to my friends about the new movie.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to use in these sentences.

1. If Sheila asks me about the problem, I will [say, tell, speak, talk] her she has to deal with it herself.
2. What did Arnold [say, tell, speak, talk] about the pictures?
3. When you [say, tell, speak, talk] at the conference, make sure the people at the back can hear you.
4. What did you [say, tell, speak, talk] about with Gary? He sounded really angry.
5. Did you [say, tell, speak, talk] the project was a failure? I was sure it would succeed.
6. Pay attention. The mayor is about to [say, tell, speak, talk].
7. Did you hear the scientist [say, tell, speak, talk] about the effects of climate change during the dialogue?
8. Did you [say, tell, speak, talk] your sister about the massive sale they are having at the mall?

Answer Key

How well did you do?

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our grammar lesson on when to use say, tell, speak and talk. Remember, these four words are not interchangeable — each one has a specific meaning and usage. Be sure to choose the right word when you’re communicating with others, or else you might just end up confusing them! Do you have any questions about when to use these four words?

If you need help to learn how to use these words properly, you can book a trial class with us.