say
IPA: /seɪ/
to use words to express something
English vocabulary by topic
Communication verbs in English
Useful verbs for conversations, questions, answers, explanations, calls and written communication.
Go to the wordsHow to choose a communication verb
Say, tell, speak and talk can all describe verbal communication, but their patterns differ. Say focuses on the words, tell usually names a listener, speak works for languages and more formal speech, and talk describes a conversation.
Ask and answer form a natural question-and-response pair. Explain, describe and discuss develop an idea, while call, write and read cover communication by phone and in writing.
Vocabulary
Words in this topic
Use the speaker icon to hear each word in British English.
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tell
IPA: /tɛl/
to give information to someone
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speak
IPA: /spiːk/
to use your voice or communicate in a language
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talk
IPA: /tɔːk/
to have a conversation with someone
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ask
IPA: /ɑːsk/
to request information or something you need
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answer
IPA: /ˈɑːnsə/
to respond to a question, message or call
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call
IPA: /kɔːl/
to contact someone by phone or give a name
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explain
IPA: /ɪkˈspleɪn/
to make an idea or situation clear
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discuss
IPA: /dɪˈskʌs/
to talk about a subject and exchange ideas
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describe
IPA: /dɪˈskraɪb/
to say or write what someone or something is like
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write
IPA: /raɪt/
to make words or symbols on a surface
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read
IPA: /riːd/
to look at and understand written words
01
How to remember these words
- Learn complete patterns: say something, tell someone, speak English and talk to a friend.
- Study natural pairs: ask a question — answer a question and write a message — read a message.
- Retell a short conversation using at least four verbs from the list.
02
Useful phrases
Read the message and tell me what it says.
She called to ask a question.
We discussed the problem and wrote down the answer.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between say and tell?
Say usually introduces the words: say hello. Tell normally names the person receiving the information: tell me the truth.
What is the difference between speak and talk?
Speak often sounds more formal and is used with languages: speak English. Talk commonly describes an informal conversation: talk to a friend.
What is the difference between ask and ask for?
Use ask before a question: ask a question. Ask for means request a thing, service or help: ask for help.
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