Speaking vs. Speak — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 29, 2024
"Speaking" refers to the continuous act of verbal communication, emphasizing the process, while "speak" is the verb form, focusing on the action itself.
Difference Between Speaking and Speak
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Key Differences
Speaking is a gerund, describing the ongoing action or process of expressing thoughts verbally, often used to discuss the ability or manner of communication. Whereas "speak" is the base form of the verb, typically used to refer to the act of producing words or conducting a verbal exchange in specific instances.
In grammar, "speaking" functions as a noun or an adjective in sentences, as in roles or descriptions like "public speaking" or "speaking softly." On the other hand, "speak" acts as a verb that commands or informs, such as in directives like "Speak now" or in expressions such as "They speak English."
When considering usage, "speaking" is often part of phrasal expressions or idioms, like "generally speaking" or "speaking of which," emphasizing a thematic or topical continuity. "Speak," however, is used more directly and decisively, such as in "speak the truth" or "speak up," requiring immediate action.
In contexts involving continuous activity, "speaking" captures the essence of ongoing discussion or dialogue, as in "He was speaking for hours." "Speak" suggests a singular or completed action, like in "He will speak at the conference."
In terms of formality, "speaking" can denote a formal or scheduled activity, particularly in professional or academic settings, as in "She excels in speaking engagements." "Speak" tends to be more general and flexible, applicable in both formal and informal contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Role
Gerund or adjective (noun form)
Verb (action form)
Common Usage
Continuous action, idioms
Direct action, commands
Example in Sentence
"Speaking at the event was exhausting."
"Please speak clearly."
Contextual Suitability
Describes ongoing dialogue or presentations
Used for specific actions or instructions
Formality
Often formal or professional
Broad, used in both formal and informal settings
Compare with Definitions
Speaking
Represents an ongoing process.
Speaking at conferences is part of her job.
Speak
Singular action focus.
She will speak at 9 AM.
Speaking
Used as a noun.
His speaking skills are impressive.
Speak
To express or communicate verbally.
He will speak to the manager about the issue.
Speaking
In continuous tense.
She was speaking when he interrupted.
Speak
Imperative form used in commands.
Speak louder, please.
Speaking
For emphasis in phrases.
Speaking of which, have you seen my keys?
Speak
General use in various contexts.
He can speak on many topics.
Speaking
Gerund form of speak.
Speaking publicly requires confidence.
Speak
Verb form to convey speech.
They speak four languages fluently.
Speaking
Capable of speech.
Speak
Say something in order to convey information or to express a feeling
In his agitation he was unable to speak
She refused to speak about the incident
Speaking
Involving speaking or talking
Has a speaking part in the play.
Speak
Talk to in order to reprove or advise
She tried to speak to Seb about his drinking
Speaking
Expressive or telling; eloquent.
Speak
(of behaviour, an object, etc.) serve as evidence for something
His frame spoke tiredness
Everything in the house spoke of hard times and neglect
Speaking
True to life; lifelike
A speaking likeness.
Speak
(of a musical instrument or other object) make a sound when functioning
Insufficient air circulates for the pipes to speak
The gun spoke again
Speaking
Used in speaking.
One's normal speaking voice
Speak
To produce words by means of sounds; talk
Can the baby speak yet?.
Speaking
Expressive; eloquent.
The sight was more speaking than any speech could be.
Speak
To express thoughts or feelings to convey information in speech or writing
He spoke of his desire to travel. In her poem she speaks about loss.
Speaking
Involving speaking.
It was her first speaking part: she screamed.
Speak
To convey information or ideas in text
Their book speaks about adopting children.
Speaking
Having the ability of speech.
Speaking parrot; speaking clock
Speak
To engage in conversation
Can we speak for a few minutes about the assignment?.
Speaking
(in compounds) Having competence in a language.
The English-speaking gentleman gave us directions; I travel in Russian-speaking countries; the French-speaking world listened in to the broadcast
Speak
To be friendly or willing to communicate; be on speaking terms
They are no longer speaking.
Speaking
One's ability to communicate vocally in a given language.
I can read and understand most texts in German, but my speaking is awful.
Speak
To deliver an address or lecture
The mayor spoke at the rally.
Speaking
The act of communicating vocally.
Speak
To act as spokesperson
I speak for the entire staff.
Speaking
An oral recitation of e.g. a story.
Speak
To convey information through another person
The family spoke to the media through their trusted adviser.
Speaking
Present participle of speak
Speak
To convey a message by nonverbal means
Actions speak louder than words.
Speaking
(telephone) Indication that the person requested is the same as the one who is currently speaking.
Speak
To give an indication or suggestion
His manners spoke of good upbringing.
Speaking
Uttering speech; used for conveying speech; as, man is a speaking animal; a speaking tube.
Speak
To be appealing
His poetry speaks to one's heart.
Speaking
Seeming to be capable of speech; hence, lifelike; as, a speaking likeness.
Speak
To make a reservation or request. Used with for
Has anyone spoken for the last piece of pizza?.
Speaking
The act of uttering words.
Speak
To produce a characteristic sound
The drums spoke.
Speaking
Public declamation; oratory.
Speak
To give off a sound on firing. Used of guns or cannon.
Speaking
The utterance of intelligible speech
Speak
To say with the voice; pronounce or utter
She spoke the words with a French accent.
Speaking
Delivering an address to a public audience;
People came to see the candidates and hear the speechmaking
Speak
To converse in or be able to converse in (a language)
Speaks German.
Speaking
Capable of or involving speech or speaking;
Human beings--the speaking animals
A speaking part in the play
Speak
To express in words; tell
Speak the truth.
Speaking
Capable of speech;
The speaking animal
Speak
(Nautical) To hail and communicate with (another vessel) at sea.
Speak
To convey by nonverbal means
His eyes spoke volumes.
Speak
(intransitive) To communicate with one's voice, to say words out loud.
I was so surprised I couldn't speak.
You're speaking too fast.
Speak
To have a conversation.
It's been ages since we've spoken.
Speak
(by extension) To communicate or converse by some means other than orally, such as writing or facial expressions.
He spoke of it in his diary.
Speak to me only with your eyes.
Actions speak louder than words.
Speak
(intransitive) To deliver a message to a group; to deliver a speech.
This evening I shall speak on the topic of correct English usage.
Speak
To be able to communicate in a language.
He speaks Mandarin fluently.
Speak
(by extension) To be able to communicate in the manner of specialists in a field.
Speak
(transitive) To utter.
I was so surprised that I couldn't speak a word.
Speak
(transitive) To communicate (some fact or feeling); to bespeak, to indicate.
Speak
To understand (as though it were a language).
Sorry, I don't speak idiot.
So you can program in C. But do you speak C++?
Speak
(intransitive) To produce a sound; to sound.
Speak
Of a bird, to be able to vocally reproduce words or phrases from a human language.
Speak
To address; to accost; to speak to.
Speak
Language, jargon, or terminology used uniquely in a particular environment or group.
Corporate speak; IT speak.
Speak
Speech, conversation.
Speak
(dated) a low class bar, a speakeasy.
Speak
To utter words or articulate sounds, as human beings; to express thoughts by words; as, the organs may be so obstructed that a man may not be able to speak.
Till at the last spake in this manner.
Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.
Speak
To express opinions; to say; to talk; to converse.
That fluid substance in a few minutes begins to set, as the tradesmen speak.
An honest man, is able to speak for himself, when a knave is not.
During the century and a half which followed the Conquest, there is, to speak strictly, no English history.
Speak
To utter a speech, discourse, or harangue; to adress a public assembly formally.
Many of the nobility made themselves popular by speaking in Parliament against those things which were most grateful to his majesty.
Speak
To discourse; to make mention; to tell.
Lycan speaks of a part of Cæsar's army that came to him from the Leman Lake.
Speak
To give sound; to sound.
Make all our trumpets speak.
Speak
To convey sentiments, ideas, or intelligence as if by utterance; as, features that speak of self-will.
Thine eye begins to speak.
Speak
To utter with the mouth; to pronounce; to utter articulately, as human beings.
They sat down with him upn ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him.
Speak
To utter in a word or words; to say; to tell; to declare orally; as, to speak the truth; to speak sense.
Speak
To declare; to proclaim; to publish; to make known; to exhibit; to express in any way.
It is my father;s musteTo speak your deeds.
Speaking a still good morrow with her eyes.
And for the heaven's wide circuit, let it speakThe maker's high magnificence.
Report speaks you a bonny monk.
Speak
To talk or converse in; to utter or pronounce, as in conversation; as, to speak Latin.
And French she spake full fair and fetisely.
Speak
To address; to accost; to speak to.
[He will] thee in hope; he will speak thee fair.
Each village senior paused to scanAnd speak the lovely caravan.
Speak
Express in speech;
She talks a lot of nonsense
This depressed patient does not verbalize
Speak
Exchange thoughts; talk with;
We often talk business
Actions talk louder than words
Speak
Use language;
The baby talks already
The prisoner won't speak
They speak a strange dialect
Speak
Give a speech to;
The chairman addressed the board of trustees
Speak
Make a characteristic or natural sound;
The drums spoke
Common Curiosities
Which form is appropriate for describing a skill?
"Speaking" is appropriate when referring to the skill or ability in communication.
What is the main grammatical difference between speaking and speak?
"Speaking" is a gerund or adjective, whereas "speak" is a verb.
Is speaking more commonly used in writing or speech?
It is commonly used in both, often with a slight preference in written descriptions of communication.
Can both speaking and speak be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different grammatical purposes and contexts.
How does the usage of speaking and speak differ in formal settings?
"Speaking" often refers to formal presentations, while "speak" can be used more generally.
How does "speak" function in direct communication?
It commands or conveys specific instructions or information.
What is the significance of speaking in educational contexts?
It usually refers to activities like debates or speeches.
What are some common idioms that include speaking?
Phrases like "generally speaking" or "strictly speaking" are common.
Can "speak" be used in continuous tenses?
Yes, in forms like "is speaking" or "was speaking" for ongoing actions.
What is an example of speak used in technology?
Commands like "Speak now" in voice recognition software.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
