"tell" vs "speak"

Question

"tell" vs "speak"

The phrases 'tell' and 'speak' are both correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Tell' is used when conveying information or giving instructions, while 'speak' is used when referring to the act of communicating verbally. They are not interchangeable and should be used based on the specific context.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

Use 'tell' when you want to inform someone about something or give them instructions. It is followed by the person you are speaking to or the information being conveyed.

Examples:

Tell me about your trip.
Can you tell me how to get to the library?
She told him the news.

Alternatives:

inform
instruct
say
explain
describe

Use 'speak' when referring to the act of talking or communicating verbally. It is often followed by about what is being spoken or to whom.

Examples:

I need to speak with you about the project.
She spoke eloquently at the conference.
He spoke to the audience about his research.

Alternatives:

talk
communicate
converse
discuss
address

Answer 1

tell

The word 'tell' is correct and commonly used in English when conveying information or giving instructions.

Answer 2

speak

The word 'speak' is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the act of communicating verbally.

"tell" vs "speak"

tell

speak

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