I don't speak english vs I can't speak English

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I don't speak English' implies a general statement about not speaking the language, while 'I can't speak English' suggests an inability or lack of skill in speaking English.

Last updated: March 23, 2024

I don't speak english

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a general statement about not speaking English.

This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker does not possess the ability to speak English. It is a simple and direct way to convey this information.

Examples:

I don't speak English very well.
She doesn't speak English fluently.
They don't speak English at all.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's hard for me because I don't speak English.
Please. No one is buying the "Je comprends. I don't speak English" routine.
I don't speak English very well. I'm from Roma.
I don't speak English, what am I to tell them?
I don't speak English, but I do speak German.
If I don't speak English, the men, they - they fall faster.
I don't speak very well, English.
I'm afraid they don't speak English, but I'm happy to pass along any questions you have.
What do you think, that I don't speak plain English?
I don't even think he speaks English.
In fact, I don't know how to speak English.
And I don't see why more foreigners don't speak English.
I don't speak French, but do you ladies speak English?
Sound like someone who don't speak English no good.
Perhaps you don't speak English that well.
And Dad says you don't speak English.
Before you ask, they don't speak English.
They're illiterate, and they don't speak English.
They don't speak English. Neither did my first wife.
Just keep your head down, pretend like you don't speak English, and run.

Alternatives:

I am not able to speak English.
I have no knowledge of English.
English is not a language I speak.
I am not fluent in English.

I can't speak English

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express an inability or lack of skill in speaking English.

This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker lacks the ability to speak English. It implies a limitation or difficulty in speaking the language.

Examples:

I can't speak English very well.
She can't speak English fluently.
They can't speak English at all.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm short and I can't speak English good.
I can't speak English as well as he can.
I'm not an American, And I can't speak English But I'll learn a few words soon So I can hold my own in this place
He doesn't speak English and I can't understand his instructions without her.
I can't do that. Our-our cook barely speaks English...
Since she clearly can't speak English, I take it you can speak Spanish? Sí.
I don't trust a doctor who can't speak English.
I can speak English, but I can't read it!
She can't speak English properly.
I've got a mom who doesn't speak English and a 15-year-old who can't hear, speak, or sign.
The fact that you can't speak English is not an excuse for you not being humiliated by what I'm about to say.
That's just because she can't speak English.
These are all Americans and we can't speak English!
A receptionist that can't speak English?
I can read English, but I can't speak it.
I can't speak for the Susan Hart to whom I return.
I can't speak to the substance of the report.
But I can't speak for Garfunkel over here.
I can't speak in front of all these people, Cliff.
I can't speak to his motives for traveling.

Alternatives:

I am unable to speak English.
I lack the ability to speak English.
Speaking English is beyond my capability.
I struggle with speaking English.

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I don't speak english vs I can't speak English