English as a Second Language/speak to/with

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Question
Hi!I would like to ask you if there is any difference between "to speak to" and "to speak with".And,can you please give me a tip on when to use TO TALK and TO SPEAK.Thank you very much.
Nieves

Answer
Hi,

The difference is subtle. When you are speaking TO somebody, you MAY be the only person speaking. Here's an example: "The teacher spoke to her class." When you are speaking WITH someone, it's assumed that both of you are engaged in conversation (i.e., both of you are talking to each other). However, the two expressions can and do often mean exactly the same thing (they are synonymous).

As for "speaking" and "talking," these two words DO mean the same thing. They are SYNONYMS, which means they can be used interchangeably.

English as a Second Language

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As a magazine editor, ESL tutor and journalism student, I consider myself an expert in English! I can answer any and all questions about the English language: how to spell a word, how to form a sentence or even how to write a great essay or story...I am able and would love to help with any of these! A great ESL Web site is http://flesl.net/. Click here to visit the ESL site!

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