What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
speak
Example
I can speak English fluently. [speak: verb]
Example
She spoke passionately about her beliefs. [spoke: past tense]
Example
The president will speak at the conference tomorrow. [speak: verb]
communicate
Example
We need to communicate more effectively to avoid misunderstandings. [communicate: verb]
Example
He communicated his displeasure through body language. [communicated: past tense]
Example
The team needs to communicate better to achieve their goals. [communicate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Communicate is more commonly used than speak in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and methods for exchanging information. However, speak is still an essential word for describing the act of producing sounds and words with one's mouth.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between speak and communicate?
Speak is generally considered more formal than communicate, as it is often associated with public speaking or addressing an audience. Communicate, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and tone.
