Meaning trap
speak up
express an opinion openly
to say what you think or feel, especially if it is important or difficult.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to say what you think or feel, especially if it is important or difficult.
Another meaning of 'speak up' is 'talk louder'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
It's important to speak up if you see something unfair happening.
In my opinion, students should speak up in class discussions to share their ideas and learn from each other.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She spoke up her opinion at the meeting.
Say: She spoke up at the meeting.
'Speak up' is used alone here — don't add 'her opinion'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Speak up' is the natural verb for saying what you think, especially when it's hard.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
speak up + cause
- for yourself
- against it
- about the problem
- in meetings
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- speak up (talk louder) — Another meaning of 'speak up' is 'talk louder'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.