1 A2 neutral
to speak more loudly so that other people can hear you
"Could you speak up a little? I can't hear you from the back."
inseparable
speak up
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
to speak more loudly or to express your opinion more clearly
In plain English
to talk louder or say what you think
What does "speak up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
to express your opinion or say something when you have been silent
"If you think the decision is unfair, you need to speak up."
“
If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up.
— John Lewis, 2016 Democratic National Convention speech
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to raise your speech upward or in intensity
Actually means
to talk louder or say what you think
Usage tip
Very common in classrooms, meetings, and conversations. Context shows whether it means louder speech or more assertive speech.
Words that pair with "speak up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
please in class at the meeting for yourself if you disagree louder
How to conjugate "speak up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
speak up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
speaks up
he/she/it
Past simple
spoke up
yesterday
Past participle
spoken up
have + pp
-ing form
speaking up
continuous
Hear "speak up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "speak up"
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