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Phrasal verbs pose a significant challenge for English learners to master, but they are an important part of the language. Among these, the ones featuring the word “speak” can be particularly tricky. From “speak out” to “speak up,” there are many phrasal verbs that can be used in different situations.
In this reference, you will explore some of the most frequently used phrasal verbs with “speak” and see examples of how to use them in everyday conversations. You will also find practical exercises to help you practice and understand these phrasal verbs better.
Common Phrasal Verbs with Speak
List of commonly used phrasal verbs with Speak in English.
Speak for, Speak for oneself Meaning & Examples
Speak for
- Meaning: To represent or advocate for someone else
- Example: The lawyer will speak for the accused in the trial.
Speak for
- Meaning: To assert or lay claim to a particular object or space
- Example: These documents speak for themselves.
Speak for
- Meaning: To embody or symbolize a particular characteristic or quality
- Example: The color of the dress speaks for the elegance of the design.
Speak for oneself
- Meaning: To express a particular opinion or viewpoint from one’s own perspective
- Example: If I disagree with the group, I will need to speak for myself.
Speak for oneself
- Meaning: To express a contrasting or opposing opinion to someone else’s viewpoint
- Example: I can only speak for myself when it comes to my preferences.
Speak for oneself
- Meaning: To be self-explanatory or easily understood
- Example: The results of the experiment speak for themselves.
Speak of, Speak out, Speak to Meaning & Examples
Speak of
- Meaning: To indicate or suggest something, often through indirect or subtle means
- Example: The dark clouds speak of the incoming storm and warn the people to take precautions.
Speak out
- Meaning: To express or advocate one’s opinion or viewpoint
- Example: It is important to speak out against injustice.
Speak to
- Meaning: To evoke or resonate with a particular emotion or feeling
- Example: The song speaks out to me on a personal level.
Speak up Meaning & Examples
Speak up
- Meaning: To speak with greater volume or clarity
- Example: If you want to be heard, you need to speak up.
Speak up
- Meaning: To assert or advocate for oneself or one’s opinions
- Example: If you have a suggestion, don’t hesitate to speak up.
Practical Exercises
We have compiled a list of practical exercises to help you improve your understanding of phrasal verbs with SPEAK. Attempt these exercises and compare your answers with the correct responses given below. Rectify your mistakes according to the correct responses.
Exercise 1
Instructions: Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete the sentence.
- I’m sorry, I can’t hear you. Could you please speak _______?
- a) up
- b) out
- c) for
- d) over
- The teacher asked us to speak _______ during the presentation.
- a) out
- b) up
- c) for
- d) down
- She always speaks _______ her mind, no matter what others think.
- a) out
- b) for
- c) up
- d) off
- I’ll speak _______ the manager and see if we can get a discount.
- a) to
- b) for
- c) up
- d) out
- We need to speak _______ the issue before it gets worse.
- a) up
- b) for
- c) out
- d) off
Answers:
- a) up
- b) up
- a) out
- a) to
- a) up
Exercise 2
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb.
- I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you please speak _______?
- The CEO spoke _______ the company’s future plans during the meeting.
- We need to speak _______ the issue before it gets out of hand.
- She always speaks _______ her mind, no matter what others think.
- I’ll speak _______ the teacher and see if we can reschedule the exam.
Answers:
- up
- about
- up
- her mind
- to
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of phrasal verbs with SPEAK. Keep practicing and you’ll be a pro in no time!
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