Phrase: May I talk with NAME of person (e.g. Tommy)?

[Goscha]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Placing an order via phone", question 5

Fred: May I ......... with the supervisor of international affairs please?

(a) talk
(b) speak
(c) chat
(d) holler

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Placing an order via phone", answer 5

Fred: May I speak with the supervisor of international affairs please?

Correct answer: (b) speak

Your answer was: incorrect
Fred: May I talk with the supervisor of international affairs please?
_________________________

I learned I can ask "May I talk with (NAME)?"
Is it incorrect?

Goscha

[Alan]

Hi Goscha,

The difference is that speak is more formal and talk would mean have a conversation/chat.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Here comes 2004...

[tortoise]

Hi,

This is a new thing I know. Thank you, Alan. I thought "speak to/with" and "talk with" was entirely in meaning. Well, they have a little diference.