speak up — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

speak up

talk louder express an opinion openly

Meaning 1 · most common

talk louder

to talk in a louder voice so people can hear you clearly.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Could you please speak up? I can't hear you at the back.

A: Sorry, I didn't catch that. Can you speak up?
B: Sure! I said the meeting is at 3 o'clock.

Common mistake

Not: Can you speak ~~up your voice?~~

Say: Can you speak up?

'Speak up' already means talk louder — don't add 'your voice'.

More on “talk louder”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During my presentation, my teacher asked me to speak up so everyone could understand me.

Tell it apart

Speak up, I can't hear you.

talk louder

Speak up if you disagree.

say what you think — sense 2

Goes with

speak up + context

Practice saying this

Next meaning: express an opinion openly

Meaning 2

express an opinion openly

speak up about/for/against sth

to say what you think or feel, especially if it is important or difficult.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

It's important to speak up if you see something unfair happening.

A: I don't agree with the new rule, but I'm nervous to say anything.
B: You should speak up. Your opinion matters.

Common mistake

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'.

More on “express an opinion openly”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, students should speak up in class discussions to share their ideas and learn from each other.

Tell it apart

She finally spoke up about the bullying.

voiced it openly

She spoke up so we could hear.

talked louder — sense 1

Goes with

speak up + cause

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which one is it?

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

talk louder express an opinion openly