speak a little English vs speak English a little

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Speak a little English' implies that the person can speak a small amount of English, while 'Speak English a little' suggests that the person can speak English to some extent. The choice between the two depends on the emphasis you want to give.

Last updated: April 13, 2024 • 780 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate speaking a small amount of English.

"speak a little English"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone can speak a small amount of English. It is often used when referring to someone's language abilities.

Examples:

I can speak a little English, enough to get by in most situations.
She only speaks a little English, so communication can be a bit challenging.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jan 9, 2021 ... Both are correct. But they don't mean the same. ['I speak a little English' is commonly used.] 'I speak a little English' means that I speak ...
Mar 29, 2013 ... "I speak a little English" is more common. It means I don't know a lot of English. "I speak English a little" sounds to me that it means "I ...
How to say “ I only speak a little English ” in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Chinese.
= infrequently, from time to time. I speak a little English. = some English. Thank you!
Mar 30, 2018 ... I can speak a little English. 2. I can speak English a little. See a translation.
Pronunciation guide: Learn how to pronounce I speak a little English in English with native pronunciation. I speak a little English translation and audio ...
Oct 15, 2017 ... Synonym for I speak a little English. Niemand sagt wirklich “I speak a bit of English”. Sie sollten immer “I speak a little English” ...

Alternatives:

Speak a bit of English
Speak a small amount of English
Speak a little bit of English
Speak some English
Speak a touch of English

This phrase is correct and implies speaking English to some extent.

"speak English a little"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone can speak English to some extent. It suggests a basic level of English proficiency.

Examples:

He can speak English a little, but he's not fluent.
I speak English a little, enough to have simple conversations.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mar 29, 2013 ... "I speak English a little" sounds to me that it means "I don't use my English (for speaking) much." "I do something a little" doesn't say how ...
Yes, that is exactly what it means. The two do not mean the same thing. I speak English a little. = infrequently, from time to time. I speak a ...
Mar 30, 2018 ... I can speak a little English. 2. I can speak English a little. See a translation.
I speak English a little” is grammatically correct. “I speak English little” is fractured. “I speak a little English “ would also be grammatically correct.
Jul 8, 2017 ... Find 8 answers to 'Can I work here if I speak English a little bit?' from Ross Dress For Less employees. Get answers to your biggest company ...
Can I say "I can speak English a little", "I can speak English a bit", "I can speak English a little bit". All sentence are correct? Mar 30, 2015 3:59 AM.

Alternatives:

Speak a bit of English
Speak some English
Speak English to some extent
Speak English at a basic level
Speak English with limited proficiency

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speak a little English vs speak English a little