“Speak” is when a human forms words with their throat and mouth, while “tell” is when a person conveys a message or story to another.
Speak
Speaking is more about the physical formation of speech and sound from a human. This can involve any type of communication from a light conversation to serious discussion.
Example sentences
The lady aggressively stated that she wanted to speak with the manager.
I spoke with Bill yesterday, and he said the team was running out of new ideas.
My teacher asked me to speak louder because I was mumbling.
Have you ever spoken to the security guard?
You can speak to the lawyer about the details of the contract.
He said he hadn’t spoken to his father in two years.
Tell
“Tell” means communicating or relaying information, thoughts, or a story to another person. “Tell” is a more one-way communication than “speak,” as the latter often implies a two-way conversation.
Example sentences
My grandfather always tells me the same stories when I visit.
The coach told the team not to dairy or spicy foods before the match.
She didn’t tell me that she was upset this whole time.
Why don’t you tell me about that time you went scuba diving?
I couldn’t bear to tell him that I lost his favorite pen.
Could you tell me how to get to the venue?
Rule of thumb
When an object follows “speak,” there is usually a preposition. This is especially true when the object is the person being spoken to or a topic being spoken about.
I will speak to George.
I will speak with George.
I will speak for George.
I will speak about science.
When an object follows “tell,” there is often no preposition. This directly contrasts when you use “speak,” which requires prepositions in these instances.
I will tell George. vs. I will speak to George.
I will tell a story. vs. I will speak about a story.
I will tell you a secret. vs. I will speak about a secret.
Exceptions
On occasion, “speak” will not require a preposition, especially in certain idioms.
I will speak my mind.
I speak English.
“Speak” can also be used without an object or followed by an adverb instead.
I did not want to speak.
I was afraid to speak.
I spoke softly.
Only when “tell” means “to determine or discern with certainty,” it is not followed by an object.
It was hard to tell.
I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or not.
Practice questions
The answers are at the end of this page. Hint: Check if there is a preposition or not following tell/speak.
- Our teacher told/spoke us the story of when a bird flew into the classroom.
- Jared didn’t tell/speak with his boss about the mistake he made in the pitch deck yet.
- The lady said she was not pleased with the way I told/spoke.
- The shaman told/spoke the villager that her illness could not be cured.
- Did you tell/speak with your supervisor about taking a day off?
- He didn’t dare tell/speak about his father in front of his widowed mother.
- I was told/spoken that the university will no longer be holding summer festivals.
- When did she tell/speak him that she was going to get surgery?
- I could tell/speak my coworker was getting angry because of her shaking fists.
- Don’t you dare tell/speak of your brother that way.
Answers :
- told
- speak
- spoke
- told
- speak
- speak
- told
- tell
- tell
- speak
Share Article
