This expression can request a louder voice or describe expressing an opinion.
The idea
Speak up means speak louder or express an opinion openly. It is common in everyday English and takes no direct object. Use about for a topic or for someone supported. The past is spoke up.
Examples
- Please speak up; the fan is noisy.
- The guide spoke up so everyone could hear.
- Could you speak up during the call?
- She spoke up about the unsafe bridge.
- We should speak up when a rule is unfair.
- He spoke up for the new students.
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Watch out
Do not put an object between speak and up. Speaking up about an issue does not necessarily mean speaking loudly.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. Please speak ___; the room is noisy. (up / off)
Show answer or example answer
up
up: the request is to speak more loudly.
Choose the correct option. Yesterday the parent ___ up at the meeting. (spoke / speak)
Show answer or example answer
spoke
spoke: yesterday requires the past of speak.
Choose the correct option. The staff spoke up ___ the broken lift. (about / into)
Show answer or example answer
about
about: this introduces the subject of the concern.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. Please speak ___; the room is noisy. (up / off)
Choose the correct option. Yesterday the parent ___ up at the meeting. (spoke / speak)
Choose the correct option. The staff spoke up ___ the broken lift. (about / into)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a time you needed a louder voice or expressed a concern.