Differences between reach out and speak out
Reach out usually means to make contact with someone, either for help or to offer assistance, while speak out generally means to express one's opinion or beliefs openly and publicly.
Meanings and Definitions: reach out vs speak out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Reach out
- 1Stretch your arm to get something.
I REACHED OUT and caught the ball.
Speak out
- 1Talk openly and freely.
People are afraid to SPEAK OUT in oppressive political regimes.
Usage Examples: reach out, speak out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
reach out
Example
She reached out to grab the book on the top shelf.
Example
He reaches out to touch the painting.
speak out
Example
She decided to speak out against the unfair treatment of her coworkers.
Example
He speaks out about the importance of mental health awareness.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Reach out
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Speak out
stand up for
To defend or support a person or cause that one believes in.
Example
She decided to stand up for her colleague who was being unfairly treated at work.
speak up
To express one's thoughts or opinions more loudly or clearly.
Example
I had to speak up in the meeting to make sure my ideas were heard.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “reach”
Phrasal Verbs with “speak”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in reach out vs speak out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: reach out or speak out?
In daily conversation, people use reach out more often than speak out. This is because reach out is used for more common situations like asking for help or checking in on someone. Speak out is not used as much, but it's still a useful phrase to know when you want to express your thoughts or opinions. So, while both phrases are used, reach out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of reach out and speak out
Reach out and speak out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of reach out and speak out
The tone of reach out and speak out can differ based on context. Reach out often carries a friendly or helpful tone when related to contacting someone, while speak out typically has a bold and assertive tone, especially when referring to expressing one's opinions or beliefs.