speak up vs speak out

Both 'speak up' and 'speak out' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Speak up' is commonly used to encourage someone to speak louder or more clearly, while 'speak out' is used to encourage someone to express their opinion or beliefs, especially in a situation where they may be hesitant to do so.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1224 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"speak up"

This phrase is used to encourage someone to speak louder or more clearly, especially in a situation where they are not being heard properly.

Examples:

Can you please speak up? I can't hear you.
It's important to speak up if you have something to say.

Show examples from the web [+]

No, I can't speak up.
But not everyone can or wants to speak up at meetings.
Please speak up so we can hear you.
You'll have to speak up, son.
T rev, you got to speak up.
You've got to speak up for this YouTube video.
He didn't dare speak up.
These organizations need us to speak up.
Hell, you speak up about everything else.
If there's someone who'd like to speak up...
Sorry, but you didn't speak up.
We need to speak up and shatter the silence.
Because Danny can't speak up for himself any more.
Sister, don't hesitate to speak up.
It just made me fight harder, speak up for those who can't.
When she does, shake hands hard and speak up.
I thought you could speak up for my mistress.
If you cannot accept this, speak up now.
You called me, so speak up.

Alternatives:

raise your voice
speak louder
be more vocal
make yourself heard
assert yourself

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"speak out"

This phrase is used to encourage someone to express their opinion or beliefs, especially in a situation where they may be hesitant to do so.

Examples:

It's time to speak out against injustice.
Don't be afraid to speak out about what you believe in.

Show examples from the web [+]

I don't want to speak out of turn...
Say those prisoners were at liberty and could speak out.
The European Parliament must speak out strongly on this issue.
Today, we in Parliament need to speak out regarding the desirability of a total ban on these substances.
Parliament would do very well to speak out and send a very clear message that we do not agree with the policy they have adopted.
They want everybody too scared to speak out.
And the Chinese must be able to speak out.
We must give victims the chance to speak out.
Forced to witness horrible things... powerless to speak out.
They're probably too scared to speak out.
Last time in 2004 we could only speak out after the falsified elections and we were united.
It must speak out loud and clear about the principles that drive us.
I believe that Parliament needs to speak out loud and clear, ladies and gentlemen.
This technology can be used for them to speak out in a different way with maybe a speaker system.
You had the courage to speak out and I did not.
Well, you know I'm not one to speak out of turn.
Urge others to speak out even when what they have to say is not popular.
If you choose to speak out again, we will have you removed.
A lot of times, in domestic abuse young woman is afraid to speak out.
He would therefore have more cause than most to speak out.

Alternatives:

voice your opinion
express yourself
make a statement
stand up for what you believe in
share your thoughts

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speak up vs speak out

"speak up"

"speak out"

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