speak English
/spiːk ˈɪŋ.ɡlɪʃ/
Meaning
This phrase means to communicate using the English language. In academic settings, teachers often use it to set language expectations in the classroom or to ask about a student's language skills.
Examples
-
We try to speak English as much as possible during our group discussions.
We try to speak English as much as possible during our group discussions.
-
Does our new history professor speak English fluently?
Does our new history professor speak English fluently?
-
You don't need to speak English perfectly to participate in class.
You don't need to speak English perfectly to participate in class.
-
In this academic seminar, all students are encouraged to speak English.
In this academic seminar, all students are encouraged to speak English.
-
She can speak English, but she prefers to write her essays in her native language first.
She can speak English, but she prefers to write her essays in her native language first.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ I can speak the English.
✓ I can speak English.
We do not use the definite article 'the' before the names of languages.
-
✗ He speaks English very good.
✓ He speaks English very well.
Use the adverb 'well' to describe how someone speaks, not the adjective 'good'.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
To improve your pronunciation, you should ___ every day.
💡 Use the language verbally.
Show answer
speak English
-
In this classroom, we always ___ during partner work.
💡 Use the target language to communicate.
Show answer
speak English