▶Speak is used when one person addresses a group.
▶ Talk suggests that two or more people are having a conversation.
(Sometimes they are used with similar meaning)
▶ Say is used with words. Structure: say something to somebody.
▶ Tell is used when giving information. Structure: tell somebody something.
Examples:
• speak (spoke, spoken)
He spoke to the class about the problem.
Can you speak Chinese?
I'd like to speak to Mr. Pitt, please.
• talk (talked, talked)
They talked for hours about the problem.
Can I talk to Mr. Pitt, please?
• say (said, said)
She said nothing all morning. (spoke no words)
As she entered, she said 'Hello' to me.
He said 'Goodbye' and went away.
• tell (told, told)
She told me nothing about herself. (gave me no information)
Can you tell me how to get to the bank?
▷ Phrases with 'tell'
You can tell...
the truth
the time
a lie
a story
Спасибо Алле Багирянц за материал