Have you ever admired someone’s eloquent speech and wondered how they could express their thoughts so clearly? It’s all about using the right collocations! Knowing English collocations related to speaking allows you to express yourself more fluently and naturally. It also enhances your comprehension while listening to others speak. Think about it – wouldn’t your conversation sound more engaging if you could use phrases like ‘deliver a speech’ instead of just ‘give a speech? So, are you ready to speak English more confidently?
Let’s learn together! Here are 41 popular collocations related to speaking:
1. Make a point: To state an argument or an opinion.
Example: During the debate, she made a valid point about climate change.
2. Deliver a speech: To give a speech in public.
Example: The president is expected to deliver a speech at the conference.
3. Hold a conversation: To engage in a conversation.
Example: It was hard to hold a conversation in the noisy bar.
4. Strike up a conversation: To initiate a conversation.
Example: He struck up a conversation with a stranger at the bus stop.
5. Give a talk: To speak about a specific topic to an audience.
Example: The professor will give a talk on ancient civilizations.
6. Express an opinion: To state what one thinks about something.
Example: She was not afraid to express her opinion on the matter.
7. Mutter under one’s breath: To say something quietly, usually because one is annoyed.
Example: He was muttering under his breath about the unfair treatment.
8. Raise your voice: To speak loudly, usually when angry.
Example: There is no need to raise your voice. I can hear you perfectly well.
9. Speak your mind: To say what one really thinks.
Example: Don’t hesitate to speak your mind during the meeting.
10. Break the silence: To say something when no one else is speaking.
Example: Finally, she broke the silence and asked about the elephant in the room.
11. Clear your throat: To make a coughing sound to attract attention before speaking.
Example: He cleared his throat before starting his presentation.
12. State your case: To present your arguments or reasons.
Example: After stating his case, he was sure he would win the argument.
13. Whisper in someone’s ear: To speak softly to someone in a way that others cannot hear.
Example: He whispered in her ear, making her giggle.
14. Yell at the top of your lungs: To shout very loudly.
Example: I could hear the children yelling at the top of their lungs in the park.
15. Speak ill of someone: To say negative things about someone.
Example: It’s not nice to speak ill of someone who’s not present.
16. Have a word with someone: To speak briefly with someone.
Example: I need to have a word with you about your performance.
17. Catch someone’s attention: To do something to make someone notice you.
Example: The bright billboard was designed to catch people’s attention.
18. Give someone a piece of your mind: To express one’s annoyance or displeasure to someone.
Example: I’m going to give him a piece of my mind for being so rude.
19. Keep someone in the loop: To keep someone informed about what’s happening.
Example: Please keep me in the loop about any changes to the plan.
20. Pull someone aside: To take someone to one side to speak to them privately.
Example: The boss pulled me aside to discuss my role in the project.
21. Talk behind someone’s back: To speak about someone negatively when they’re not present.
Example: It’s not fair to talk behind someone’s back.
22. Talk someone into something: To convince someone to do something.
Example: She talked me into going to the concert with her.
23. Voice an objection: To express disagreement or opposition.
Example: He voiced his objection to the proposed changes.
24. Hear someone out: To listen to someone until they have said all they want to say.
Example: Even though I was angry, I decided to hear him out.
25. Speak highly of someone: To say good things about someone.
Example: She always speaks highly of her colleagues.
26. Speak volumes: To provide a lot of information, especially in an indirect way.
Example: His silence spoke volumes.
27. Take the floor: To begin to speak in a meeting or a debate where many people are expected to speak.
Example: The chairperson took the floor and started the meeting.
28. Speak from the heart: To speak sincerely, expressing one’s true feelings.
Example: When she spoke from the heart, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
29. Talk sense: To speak logically and sensibly.
Example: It’s hard to talk sense into him when he’s angry.
30. Burst out laughing: To start laughing suddenly and loudly.
Example: The joke was so funny, everyone burst out laughing.
31. Engage in small talk: To have a casual conversation about unimportant things.
Example: At parties, I often engage in small talk with new people.
32. Speak the same language: To understand each other well because you share similar opinions and interests.
Example: We work well together because we speak the same language.
33. Spit it out: A way to tell someone to say something that they are finding hard to say.
Example: Come on, spit it out! What’s the bad news?
34. Spread rumors: To circulate gossip or unverified information.
Example: It’s not right to spread rumors about someone’s personal life.
35. Have the last word: To be the one who makes the final point in a discussion or argument.
Example: She always has to have the last word in every argument.
36. Talk the talk: To talk confidently about something, often without the ability or intention to actually do it.
Example: He talks the talk, but can he walk the walk?
37. Beat around the bush: To avoid speaking directly or precisely.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.
38. Tell tales: To report others’ wrongdoings or misdeeds, often exaggerated.
Example: Don’t be a tattle-tale. It’s not nice to tell tales about your friends.
39. Put in a good word: To say positive things about someone, usually to help them get a job or a favor.
Example: Could you put in a good word for me with your boss?
40. Pass the word: To spread a message or information.
Example: Please pass the word about the change in our meeting schedule.
41. Speak off the cuff: To speak in public without preparation.
Example: I was asked to speak off the cuff when the keynote speaker didn’t show up.
There you have it, 41 collocations to help you sound more natural and fluent in English. Remember, speaking is about expressing yourself and connecting with others. With these phrases, you’ll be able to do that more effectively. Keep practicing and soon, you’ll be speaking English more confidently!