Expert: Noa - 3/27/2005

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.