talk to vs speak to

Both 'talk to' and 'speak to' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Talk to' is more commonly used in informal situations or when referring to a casual conversation. On the other hand, 'speak to' is often used in more formal settings or when indicating a more serious or official discussion.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 850 views

The phrase 'talk to' is correct and commonly used in English, especially in informal contexts.

"talk to"

Use 'talk to' when referring to having a conversation with someone in a casual or informal manner. It is widely accepted in everyday language.

Examples:

I need to talk to my friend about the party.
Can I talk to you for a minute?
She always talks to her cat as if it understands her.

Show examples from the web [+]

Professor must talk to your minister friend.
You should talk to the commodities trading commission.
Osiris can't talk to the world.
Maybe I'll talk to Zane.
Well, we did talk to quint.
You should talk to judge graves.
O'Malley, go talk to Tucker.
Simmons, talk to the festival organizers.
Please let me talk to Tetsuya.
You'd better talk to him.
Take Rigsby and talk to Reyes.
I want to talk to Scialoja.
We could talk to her co-workers.
I didn't talk to him.
Let me talk to my producer.
Let me talk to our chairman.
Not until I talk to our attorneys.
I need to talk to him.
You should talk to them about getting reassigned.
Please let me talk to her.

Alternatives:

speak with
have a chat with
converse with
discuss with
communicate with

The phrase 'speak to' is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal or serious contexts.

"speak to"

Use 'speak to' when referring to addressing someone in a more formal or serious manner. It is suitable for official discussions or situations that require a certain level of respect.

Examples:

The manager will speak to the employees about the new policy.
I need to speak to the principal about my concerns.
He spoke to the audience about the importance of education.

Show examples from the web [+]

We need to speak to Mrs. Chandler.
But you must speak to your wife.
I can't speak to Cynthia as Matt.
You must speak to someone about the pain.
I'm going to speak to his father.
I will speak to your Captain.
She wants to speak to the South African consulate.
I'd like to speak to the duty meteorologist.
I just need to speak to Derek Zoolander.
Your metal eating money... I will speak to Crichton and D'Argo now.
We want to speak to the person in charge.
Please, I need to speak to the Gamboa.
I wish to speak to Inspector Reid.
We... We shall get the Virgin Mary to speak to them.
I need to speak to Inger privately.
I'd like to speak to Thomas Jefferson, please.
We'll need to speak to your wife at some point.
He was probably the last man to speak to my husband.
It seemed like she wanted... to speak to us.
I think I want to speak to DCI Roebuck.

Alternatives:

address
talk with
communicate with
converse with
discuss with

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talk to vs speak to

"talk to"

"speak to"

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