speak in English vs speak English only

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Speak in English' implies using English as one of the languages among others, while 'Speak English only' means using only English without any other languages. The choice between the two depends on the context and the specific language requirements.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 1041 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to using English as one of the languages in a multilingual context.

"speak in English"

This phrase is used when someone is asked to communicate in English among other languages. It implies using English as one of the languages being spoken.

Examples:

In this meeting, please speak in English so that everyone can understand.
When traveling to different countries, it's important to be able to speak in English.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jan 28, 2022 ... Can you think and speak in English about your daily routine? Let's do it! Download the free PDF worksheet for this lesson here: ...
Aug 23, 2014 ... "speak English" refers to an ability. "speak in English" refers to a language choice. Can/do you speak English? Meaning: Do you know English ...
Jan 4, 2015 ... There really isn't much difference in meaning between "speak English" and "speak in English" from a practical point of view.
3 days ago ... Improve English Speaking Skills Everyday (Tips to speak in English) English Conversation Practice - Myths about learning English, ...
Jul 13, 2022 ... All of them chose to speak in English despite having the opportunity and ability to speak in Spanish. It came as a bit of a surprise to me ...
Feb 2, 2021 ... Improve English Speaking Skills Everyday (Tips to speak in English) English Conversation Practice. Learn English with Tangerine Academy•2M ...
Aug 9, 2022 ... Does your mouth hurt when you speak in English? ... Speaking a second language that we were not born into has its challenges. One of which is that ...
Hello, I'd like to ask you if the following sentence sounds good in your opinion: I can speak in English and French.
Sep 25, 2021 ... How and when to use “speak English” or “speak in English”. Both constructions are grammatically correct but the important difference comes ...

Alternatives:

Use English in your speech
Communicate in English

This phrase is correct and commonly used when emphasizing the use of only English without any other languages.

"speak English only"

This phrase is used when someone is required to use only English in their communication, excluding any other languages.

Examples:

During the exam, you must speak English only.
In this English class, students are expected to speak English only.

Show examples from the web [+]

We would be much obliged if you could call us by this number: If you are calling from the US you can use our toll free number: European customers please use our UK phone number: We speak ENGLISH only.
Even people who say they speak English, only 14 percent pass.
Seated around their fires, they do not speak English, only German.
Many Jordanians speak English and not only people involved in the tourism business.
And you will only speak English here.
From this moment on, you will only speak English.
In England, I only speak English.
I only speak English, white boy.
And you will only speak English here.
We are both from the Netherlands so we could only speak English.
Hong Kong people love to speak English. 97 is only around the block.
Players may only speak English while a hand is in progress.
When Bart is sent by his captors into town to buy a case of antifreeze, he sees a gendarme and tries to ask for help, but the man does not speak English and only gives Bart a piece of candy.
You speak only in English and only about family matters.
There are those who speak only English and only Italian.
Otherwise the owner is very nice, although she speaks only French, which could pose a problem for those who only speak English.
Of course quality is improved by our professional drivers that not only speak English at a good level but are also able to take the customers wherever they want showing knowledge of the roads and driving skills.
Nicky, when in England we speak only English.
Lisa speaks not only English but also French.
Quite frankly, my new manager speaks only English.

Alternatives:

Use only English in your speech
Communicate solely in English

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speak in English vs speak English only

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