Speak vs Utter

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

 SpeakUtter
MeaningTo say words or talk.To say something, especially something quietly
CEFR levelA1B1
Part of speechverbadjective
Usage notesUse 'speak' when talking about communication, especially in more formal contexts or when discussing languages. Avoid using it in very casual situations where 'talk' or 'chat' might be more appropriate.Use 'utter' when you want to express something articulated. It fits well in formal contexts but can be less common in casual conversation.

Frequently asked questions: Speak vs Utter

What's the difference between "Speak" and "Utter"?

"Speak" means: To say words or talk. "Utter" means: To say something, especially something quietly

When should I use "Speak" and "Utter"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Speak" and "Utter" the same CEFR level?

"Speak" is at A1, "Utter" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.

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