speak more vs speak less

Both phrases are correct depending on the context in which they are used. 'Speak more' is used when encouraging someone to talk more or provide more information, while 'speak less' is used when asking someone to talk less or be more concise.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 668 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to encourage someone to talk more or provide additional information.

"speak more"

This phrase is used when you want someone to increase the amount they are speaking or to share more details on a topic.

Examples:

Can you speak more about your experience with the project?
I wish you would speak more during our meetings.

Show examples from the web [+]

People have the tendency to speak more loudly when they get excited.
I'm beginning to regret That I requested you to speak more.
Then there are multilateral dialogues: we have to bring in OPEC; we have to speak more with OPEC and with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The public in Europe must also speak more about terrorism.
The one issue that needs to be stressed is the consumers' lack of awareness of the problem of unregulated, unreported and illegal fishing and that is something we need to speak more about.
I'm sorry, you'll have to speak more clearly.
Or must I speak more... Slowly?
No Member may speak more than twice on the same subject, except by leave of the President.
Do you understand what I'm saying, or shall I speak more slowly?
rapporteur. - Mr President, I will do my best to speak more slowly - I promise.
The election in Romania has showed us that we have a big responsibility to the Romanian citizens, to whom we have to speak more about the European Union and explain the benefits and rigors of the family we belong to.
Therefore I would like to call on the European Commission and the auditors to urge the implementation of the reform plan and speak more decidedly of the problems that constitute vast and inexhaustible resources.
Edit Herczog (the President asked those Members from the new Member States who usually read out their speeches in the Chamber to speak more slowly in order to make things easier for the interpreters),
(The President asked the speaker to speak more slowly for the sake of the interpreters)
I know I'm quiet... and I know I should speak more... but if you knew the things were in my head most of the time, you'd know... what it really meant.
(The President interrupted the speaker to ask her to speak more slowly, at the request of the interpreters)
Perhaps I should speak more plainly.
I should speak more.
Could you please speak more quietly? I feel hungover.

Alternatives:

talk more
share more
provide more information

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask someone to talk less or be more concise in their communication.

"speak less"

This phrase is used when you want someone to reduce the amount they are speaking or to be more concise in their explanations.

Examples:

Please speak less during the presentation.
I think you should speak less and listen more in this conversation.

Show examples from the web [+]

You should work hard, think less, speak less and make more friends.
Try to speak less.
I am in training in case the House, in its wisdom, decides that it would be better for me to speak less.
Figure less and speak less.
Don't worry, she speaks less English than you do Pashto.
Mr President, I shall speak for less than thirty seconds.
Nowhere. And Senator Bracken speaks in less than ten hours.
The more you speak the less time you have.
I wonder if, in the future, we could speak in less militaristic terms.
It's a pity he speaks so less often now.
From now on, I'll speak with less manners, more friendly.
The longer he speaks, the less time he has to answer Members' questions.
I cannot speak English, much less Spanish.
Its mediation missions run alongside those of traditional diplomacy and have considerable advantages: a break with the post-colonial concept of individual preserves, greater freedom to speak and intervene, less protocol than in traditional diplomacy.
Sometimes the more we speak, the less we hear - motions: words; conventions: words; treaties: words - if we are not careful, words themselves become a substitute for real action.
When the Commission speaks about 'less competitive regions' and 'more competitive regions' in this context, exactly which regions is it referring to?
It's less confusing than the way you speak.
Man: [Speaks indistinctly] Get the less severe injuries off to University Hospital.
I believe in it even less since the facts speak for themselves.
Julia will barely speak to me, and I'm getting less and less time with Elizabeth.

Alternatives:

talk less
be more concise
cut down on talking

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

speak more vs speak less

"speak more"

"speak less"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text