Say v Tell v Speak v Talk 💬 English Grammar Lesson

Learn the difference between say v tell, and speak v talk in this English grammar lessons with your British English teacher, Greg, from Online Language Academy.

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The Difference between Tell, Say, Speak and Talk

SAY v TELL

We "say" something and we "tell" someone. The verb you need depends on what follows the verb.

TELL + someone (e.g. you, me, Pete...)

Examples:

1. I've already TOLD YOU the answer three times.

2. My Students TELL ME that they love Youtube channel.

3. Katie TOLD PETER that she wanted to eat out.



SAY + something (e.g. hello, happy birthday, it's not fair)

Examples:

1. Joe SAID he was coming to the party.

2. If you see Jill, SAY hello from me.

3. Rob SAID it wasn't fair and left the meeting.



SPEAK v TALK

Speak and Talk are very similar. Firstly, we "speak" a language (we don't "talk" a language"). Secondly, "speak" has a more formal and serious tone, and is also used for one-way communication, whereas "talk" is used for two-way conversation.

Examples:

1. I am SPEAKING to you now (you're not answering, so it's one-way communication)

2. English is my mother tongue, but I also SPEAK French, Spanish, and some Italian.

3. If you are ever in the Chicago area, call me and we can meet for a coffee and we can TALK about life.

[marcioluiz]

Hey Greg, thx for SPEAKING about the differences among these verbs. You said some sentences clarifying our ideas. Now I'm gonna tell my students. I really appreciated it!!!

[medouar]

You are the best teacher I ever had. Because of the exemples you yell us. Shortness and precision
Thank you so much

[milabelkina]

I like your classes very much. Thank you.

[franciscodiniz]

Excellent didatic explanation, as usual, Greg.

[elisandrogoncalves]

Greg thanks for your contribution to us, every day something to learn about this beautiful language, I’m always tuned in 👍🏼

[mine]

Greg explanation Greg!! Thumbs up!! One of my students asked exactly this topic to me and I will send her this video. She will be so happy!!

[ravneetwalia]

Hey Greg..You are taking out the stuff that i need to know the most....i love your way of doing the good work....love from India

[chicoalbert]

Hi! I'm from Costa Rica and I love your videos...they are really helpful.! concrete and straight to the point!

[vghtins]

As usual Greg, you are the real master !!! Your lessons are so clear and didactic that if someone doesn't know how to learn the English language, the best advice would be:

Contact to Mr. Greg Pioli !!!

[noelinfernando]

Hello Greg, great lesson! !
When I went through this video, I came up with a question. Can you please explain the difference between "speak to and speak with "
Thanks

[Jesusisallforme]

Thanks a bunch Greg, it was realy helpfull as always. You TELL it in a very interesting way! I don't know whether you have lesson about "also, as well, too, likewise". Still a mystery to me.🙂

[yklxtlb]

Thanks Greg for my quick improving english

[gabrieltottzi]

Hi Greg. I like your videos. Can you explain us the difference between (Justice and Righteousness) (Defiance and Challenge) please? Thank you.

[joelmasamba]

Oh my gosh!!! They said bad about our brother yet he wasn't there for sure

[pilucaraigosa]

Fantastic vídeo Greg !! Thanks so much Teacher !!

[diamondwarrior]

Thanks for the great explanation. I have a question. We are usually taught in grammar that phrase is a sentence that is incomplete and does not make sense unlike a normal sentence that is followed by a verb and sub. So could someone please explain how this is" he was coming to the party"a phrase

[tonyfong]

Hi Grey, I always love to watch your channel because you can tell us something different from the alike.👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏
lionel Richie needs to change his song "Say you, say me" to "Tell you, tell me" to make it grammatically correct!!!!😂😂😂😂

[chrisk]

I’m replying to you online in the chat!

[silviateixeira]

Talk to someone = one way conversation versus talk with someone = to ways conversation