The verb speak means to say words aloud or to talk. It is an irregular verb, which means its forms do not follow the usual "-ed" pattern. The past tense is spoke, and the past participle is spoken. These two forms are used for different purposes:
- Spoke: Used for actions completed in the past.
- Spoken: Used with helping verbs (have, has, had) to form perfect tenses, or in passive voice.
Speak (base form)
Meaning: To say words aloud or to talk.
Example:
- I speak English every day.
- Please speak more slowly.
Spoke (past tense)
Meaning: Describes an action of talking that happened at a specific time in the past.
Example:
- She spoke to the manager yesterday.
- They spoke about the project last week.
Spoken (past participle)
Meaning: Used with have/has/had in perfect tenses, or in passive constructions.
Example:
- I have spoken to him twice today.
- The letter was spoken about in the meeting.
Common Uses
- Speak + language: to be able to use a language.
- Speak to/with: to have a conversation.
- Speak about: to talk on a topic.
- Speak up/out: to say something boldly.
Which of these prepositions can follow "speak" to indicate the subject of discussion?
about
'Speak about' introduces the topic. 'Speak to/with' refer to the person you talk to, and 'speak up' means to say something boldly.
Time-Telling Examples
- Past Simple (Spoke): I spoke to her yesterday.
- Present Perfect (Have Spoken): I have spoken to her today.
- Past Perfect (Had Spoken): I had spoken to her before the call.
- Passive Voice (Spoken): The message was spoken aloud.
Complete the sentence: The message was _____ aloud. (It, speak)
spoken
'Was spoken' is passive voice using the past participle. 'Spoke' can't be passive, and other forms don't fit.
Everyday Example Sentences
- I speak three languages.
- He spoke very quickly.
- We have spoken about this issue before.
- Has she spoken to the teacher yet?
- The speech was spoken with great emotion.
Complete the sentence: He _____ very quickly. (He, speak)
spoke
'Spoke' is used for a past action. Other forms are not correct in this context.
Summary
Verb: speak
- Past tense: spoke (talked in the past)
- Past participle: spoken (used with have/has/had or in passive)
Examples:
- I spoke with her yesterday.
- We have spoken many times.
- The announcement was spoken clearly.
Troubleshoot:
- Do not say “speaked” (wrong).
- Use spoke for simple past.
- Use spoken only with perfect tenses or passive voice.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
