English phrases and phrasal verbs are a significant part of the language, especially in informal English. They are extremely useful and come up in every conversation.
A phrasal verb is a verb followed by one or two particles which change the meaning of the verb when used on its own. Examples of such particles can be up, out, against… Also, some phrases are built with the verbs speak and talk without being followed by a particle. In this article, you will find examples of both plain phrases and phrasal verbs, all using either the verb speak or the verb talk.

Of course, it is important first to know how to choose between the verbs speak and talk, so, if you need, you can look into this article about the difference between talk and speak.
Now, being able to use them in set phrases is also important. First of all, it will help you improve your English, better understand what people are saying as well as take part in conversations more effectively. On top of that, your English will sound more natural. 

Let’s look at some English phrases using speak and talk. Try to learn a few and use them in your future conversations in English 🙂 

Phrases using the verb speak

Here is a short list of phrases using speak, followed by their meaning and an example in a sentence.

• Speak up →speak louder; it can also mean saying what you think.
  Example: “Speak up please, we can’t hear you.”
• Speak your mind → give your opinion.
  Example: “That’s all we wanted to say. Now it’s your turn, feel free to speak your mind.”
• Speak out against something → express publicly your opposition to something.
  Example: “We weren’t sure he’d say something but he spoke out against the new regulations.”
• Speak volumes → when something speaks volumes, it tells you or reveals a lot about something.
  Example: “The way they reacted speaks volumes about how disappointed they are.”
• Speak well, highly, ill of someone → say something nice, extremely nice or bad about someone.
  Example: “I always speak highly of my primary school teacher because she was fantastic.”
• To be on speaking terms → to have a good, friendly relationship with someone
  Example: “It’s great that you remained on speaking terms with them despite everything that’s happened.”
• So to speak → use it to indicate that you are saying something figuratively.
  Example: “You have already reached your goal, so to speak.”
• Technically/Strictly speaking → to indicate that you are speaking from a technical, factual point of view.
  Example: “I see why you have doubts, but strictly speaking, your coworker is right.”

Phrases using the verb talk

• Talk with someone on the phone → have a conversation on the phone
  Example: “I briefly talked with him on the phone.”
• Talk around something → not address a subject directly, avoid getting to the point
  Example: “I asked for details but they just talked around the matter and got no real explanation.”
• Talk someone around/into → convince someone to accept what you want
  Example: “Did you really want to do that or did she just talk you into it?”
• Talk back → reply in a rude manner
  Example: “Don’t talk back like that, that’s rude!”
• Talk somebody through something  → explain, guide somebody through a procedure or a plan
  Example: “This is our new idea for the launch of our new product. Let me talk you through the whole plan.”
• Talk through your hat  → talk foolishly
  Example: “Don’t listen to him! He’s just talking through his hat.”
• Talk nonsense, or –more colloquially in British English– talk rubbish → say something that is not true, or that is stupid or not sensible
  Example: “Oh that’s not true! Stop talking rubbish!”
• Double talk (also double speak) → to talk in a deceptive way, especially in a political statement
  Example: “He said politicians are all specialised in double talk.” 

Needless to say, there are many more phrases using the verbs speak and talk and both lists above could be much longer, but I intentionally chose to limit them to eight each so the number of examples is not too overwhelming.
Yet, there is also this last phrase you may find useful which can be equally used with speak or talk:

• speak/talk down to → speak/talk in a condescending manner.
  Example: “I don’t like the way he talks down to you, as if you were stupid!”.

There you are! You now know 17 phrases you can use with the verbs speak and talk. Congratulations! 🙂