Reporting Verbs Exercises PDFSet 2: Say, Tell, Speak & Talk
20 questions·14 min·Answers included·Explanations included
Preview: Questions
Fill in the blank with the correct option.
1.She can ___ three languages fluently.
a) sayb) tellc) speakd) talk
2.We need to ___ about the budget for next year.
a) talkb) sayc) telld) speak
3.Could I ___ to the manager, please?
a) sayb) tellc) talkd) speak
4.He ___ me that he was leaving the company.
a) saidb) toldc) spoked) talked
5.The baby is learning to ___.
a) sayb) talkc) telld) speak
... and 15 more questions in the PDF
Preview: Answers
1.speak
2.talk
3.speak
4.told
5.talk
... and 15 more answers in the PDF
Preview: Explanations
1."speak"(c)
'Speak' is used with languages: speak English, speak French, speak three languages. We don't say 'talk three languages' or 'say three languages'.
2."talk"(a)
'Talk about' is used when discussing a topic in conversation. 'Talk' emphasizes the interactive, informal nature of discussion.
3."speak"(d)
'Speak to someone' is more formal and is commonly used on the phone or in professional settings: 'Could I speak to...?' 'Talk to' is also possible but less formal.
4."told"(b)
'Tell + person + that clause' is the pattern for reporting information to a specific person. Neither 'spoke' nor 'talked' can be used with this structure.
5."talk"(b)
'Learn to talk' refers to a child developing the ability to produce words and have conversations. 'Learn to speak' is also possible, but 'learn to talk' is the more natural expression for babies.
... and 15 more explanations in the PDF
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