Say -- Speak -- Talk -- Tell



bold = required (parentheses) = optional
*mutually exclusive (one or the other may be present, but not both)

INDIRECT
OBJECT
DIRECT OBJECT INDIRECT
OBJECT
say. "____________"
something (about something*)
that __________
words
(to someone)
(to someone)



(about something*)


speak. (English*)(to someone)(about something*)
talk. .(to someone)(about something)
tell
(someone*)
a story (about something)
a lie/the truth
(to someone*) .
someone
someone
someone
someone
someone

(" ______________")
(something) (about something)
(that ___________)
(to +V )
.(about something)





NOW PRACTICE:

1. As I in the last class, my favorite things are music and art.
2. Some Americans very fast.
3. The Matthew's daughter is learning to English well.
4. Mr. Clark to us about Valentine's Day.
5. It's difficult tounderstand what is on TV.
6. Mr. Clark us about Valentine's Day.
7. I would like to to you.
8. I would like to you something.
9. I would like to something to you.
10. Mr. Clark that Valentine's Day is February 14th.
11. It's difficult to understand children when they to each other.
12. Mr. Clark us to watch a special program.


(POSSIBLE ANSWERS)
1. As I said to you / told you in the last class, my favorite things are ..
2. Some Americans say things / speak / speak English / talk / tell stories very fast.
3. The Matthews' daughter is learning to speak English well.
4. Mr. Clark said something / talked / spoke / told a story to us about Valentine's Day.
5. It's difficult tounderstand what is said on TV.
6. Mr. Clark said something to / spoke to / talked to / told a story to / told us about Valentines' Day.
7. I would like to say something / say "good=bye" / speak English / talk / tell a story to you.
8. I would like to tell you something.
9. I would like to say something to you.
10. Mr. Clark said / told us that Valentine's Day is February 14th.
11. It's difficult to understand children when they say something / speak / speak English / talk to each other.
12. Mr. Clark told us to watch a special program.


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Ann Salzmann
Intensive English Institute
University of Illinois