Speak vs. talk

[Keokounila]

Hello everybody,

What is the difference between 'speak' and 'talk'?

Ex: I want to speak to you.
I want to talk to you.

Thanks in advance!

[Alan]

Hi keokounila,

In very general terms speak is formal and talk is informal. In your example I want to speak to you would be a request to discuss something important or serious. You might note that someone who is giving a lecture in a public hall would be introduced as: Today's speaker is the writer, XXXX.
The sentence: I want to talk to you suggests I want to have a chat or conversation with you.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Indirect Speech

[Keokounila]

I got it now, Sir. Thank you very much indeed for your help!

[Torsten]

Hi Keokounila,

You might also want to read speak vs. talk.

Let me know what you think.
Best regards,
Torsten
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary