Using indirect speech to report words and ideas

ugs.gif (980 bytes) Common reporting verbs page 4 of 7

Using speak

bullet.gif (991 bytes) Unlike say and tell, the verb speak is not followed by a that-clause.
bullet.gif (991 bytes) We use speak followed by a preposition to report the subject matter of someone's words:

He spoke about problems of disarmament. (Bank of English)

Another nurse spoke of the low morale in hospitals.
(SCMP 30/3/94)

Note that in both examples, there is not an exact rendering of the original messages.
bullet.gif (991 bytes) If we want to mention the hearer, we use speak to (or speak with, especially in American English):

We spoke to police in Manchester. (Bank of English)

I often spoke with Bob about directors and designers.
(Bank of English)
bullet.gif (991 bytes) We commonly use the verb speak in relation to languages:

They spoke Cantonese among themselves. (SCMP 13/5/94)

The suspect, who spoke Putonghua, put up a struggle. (SCMP 17/3/94)

04conten.gif (549 bytes) Introduction
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using say
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using tell
square.gif (58 bytes) Using speak
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using talk
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using other reporting verbs
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Reporting verbs and negation