speak
She spoke clearly so everyone in the room could understand her.
Forms
spoke past tense
He spoke to the manager about the problem.
spoken past participle
They have spoken about this issue before.
speaks 3rd person singular
My teacher speaks three languages.
spoken adjective
We prefer spoken instructions to long written ones.
speaker noun
The speaker answered questions after the talk.
speech noun
Her speech at the ceremony was short and warm.
speaking noun
Public speaking makes many people nervous.
Phrasal verbs
speak up
To speak louder or more clearly.
Could you speak up? I can't hear you at the back of the room.
speak out
To express your opinion publicly and strongly.
She spoke out against the new policy at the meeting.
speak for
To represent someone or express their views or situation.
The lawyer said she would speak for the family during the hearing.
speak of
To mention or talk about something.
We often speak of our childhood when we get together.
speak to
To talk to someone, often about a specific matter.
I need to speak to you about tomorrow's schedule.
speak with
To talk with someone, especially in a conversation.
The doctor will speak with you after the test results come in.
speak for itself
To be so clear or obvious that no explanation is needed.
The results speak for themselves: sales went up by 20%.