to speak

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "to speak" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is known as an infinitive, which is a verb form that consists of the word "to" followed by the base form of the verb. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as to express purpose, intention, or obligation. Example: I plan to speak to my boss about my promotion. In this sentence, "to speak" expresses the purpose or intention of the speaker, which is to have a conversation with their boss about a promotion. Another example: It is important to speak up when you see injustice. Here, "to speak" is used to convey an obligation or duty to speak up when witnessing injustice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

D. stood to speak.

The New Yorker

He wanted to speak".

The New Yorker

Wiens began to speak.

The New Yorker

To speak out.

Independent

Fotouh began to speak.

The New Yorker

Permission to speak, sir?

Independent

So to speak.

The New York Times

He tried to speak.

The New Yorker

They declined to speak.

The New York Times

Want to speak convincingly?

The New Yorker

He was reluctant to speak.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to speak" when you want to express the general act of communicating verbally, addressing an audience, or expressing oneself. It is versatile and suitable for a wide range of contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "speaking" or "spoken" when the infinitive form is required. For example, instead of "I want speaking to the manager," use "I want to speak to the manager."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to speak" functions primarily as an infinitive, often used to express purpose, intention, or ability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its versatile use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to speak" is a very common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express the act of verbal communication. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. Its versatility allows it to fit into various contexts, ranging from formal addresses to casual conversations. While it's essential to use the infinitive form correctly, avoiding confusion with other verb forms like "speaking" or "spoken", its straightforward nature makes it a fundamental component of English expression. Ludwig's examples highlight its widespread usage in news, media, and everyday language, solidifying its place as a core element of effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to address

Suggests speaking to a specific audience or about a particular topic.

to articulate

Replaces "speak" with a more formal verb, implying clarity and precision in expression.

to voice

Highlights the act of giving an opinion or making a statement.

to verbalize

Emphasizes the act of putting thoughts into words.

to comment

Suggests making a specific remark or observation.

to utter

Suggests a brief or abrupt expression.

to declare

Implies a formal or emphatic statement.

to communicate

Broadens the scope to include any form of conveying information, not just oral.

to converse

Focuses on the interactive aspect of speaking with others.

to express oneself

Focuses on conveying personal thoughts or feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "to speak" in a sentence?

You can use "to speak" in various ways, such as expressing an intention (I want to speak), indicating ability (He is able to speak), or describing a purpose (She came here to speak).

What's the difference between "to speak" and "to talk"?

"To speak" is more general and can refer to any act of verbal communication, while "to talk" often implies a conversation or informal exchange.

When should I use "to speak" instead of "speaking"?

Use "to speak" as an infinitive (e.g., "I need to speak with you"). Use "speaking" as a gerund or participle (e.g., "Speaking clearly is important" or "He was speaking loudly").

Are there any formal alternatives to "to speak"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "to articulate" or "to address" in more formal contexts.