Collocation Dictionary
Common collocations with speak in American Collocation
speak
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
quietly
Leaning toward him, I spoke softly and said, “Peter – we need to talk about this”.
clearly or loudly
When he spoke, he spoke loudly, his voice echoing like that of a minister.
openly or publicly
Staff should encourage complainants to speak openly and freely about their concerns.
honestly
Many people think that politicians don’t speak plainly and tell the truth.
well or impressively
Dr Yusuf spoke very eloquently about the influence Lord Todd had on his career.
with enthusiasm or emotion
She is a slender, affable woman who speaks passionately and articulately about HIV/AIDS.
in a way that shows you know what you are talking about
I’m not familiar enough with the constitution to speak authoritatively on this one.
in a way that affects the emotions
The former prisoners spoke movingly about their years of incarceration.
in a way that shows you like someone
The children speak very warmly of their new Scottish friends.
giving praise or compliments
All the students we met spoke very highly of the school.