Choosing the right word (1)

[Alan]

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Let's start with the verbs for using words:

(a) Speak -

This is the formal one we use like this: How many languages do you speak? I speak English fluently. She speaks a little Italian.

Again when we want to describe what someone is doing but can't necessarily hear what they are saying: She's the woman in the red hat speaking to that tall man over there.

For important topics and subjects: If you are free tomorrow afternoon, I'd like to speak to you about my financial investments. I can't possibly speak to you about what I do for a living because it concerns Government business.

(b) Say:

Mainly used in direct and indirect speech:

'Go away', she said.

He said he wanted to be a fireman when he grew up.

(c) Tell:

Used often with words like 'story' or as another form of indirect speech or as a command. It always takes an object:

Samantha wouldn't go to sleep until her mother had told her a story.

He told the police that he was miles away at the time of the crime.

I told him to stop smoking in the restaurant.

(d) Talk:

An informal word for 'speak' - have a conversation:

Children at that age never stop talking.

After the show was over, he left his dressing room and came over to talk to us.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Thanhtamntuedu]

Hi everyone,
I have been studied english for several years but I do not know how to make good pronounciation to have efficient communication. its very terible for me when I have a conservation with others, they cant understand my pronounciation. English is my second language, and I always get difficult to practise speaking, writing.
What is the good method to study, to pronounce in English?

[Kati Svaby]

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Many thanks for this clear summary.I have nothing to add only to learn them very well.

Kati svaby
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We always deceive ourselves twice about the people we love - first to their advantage, then to their disadvantage.

[Moylopez]

Alan :

Thanks a lot !!

I have been learning a lot with this type of explications.

It's great !!

[Makara007]

Thank you very much for your explanation. I can get it clearly now.

[English Teacher]

Hi Alan and all,
Firstly, I'd like to write to you my deepest appreciation for such subject you have given.
Moreover, as secondly: when we teach such variation, we sometimes get in a real problem that to say, a group of words have the same meaning, but we have to use each in a different situation!!
So, for such subjects I hope to have more about this.
With my deepest respect to all whom they give their experiences on this web.
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" If you live, live freely OR Die like trees
Standing"

[Anahid]

Hi dear Alan
I do appreciate all your efforts especially this part about the differences that should be used in any language.I d like to have more of these subjects if it is possilbe.
thanks in advance
anahid

[Igal1]