Phrasal verb
speak up
Definition
phrasal verb. to talk more loudly so that people can hear you; to say your opinion clearly, especially to support or defend something.
phrasal verb. to increase the volume of one's voice; to express one's opinions or grievances openly, particularly in a situation where there is pressure to remain silent.
Examples
“Could you speak up? I can't hear you at the back.”
“If you disagree with the new office policy, you need to speak up during the meeting tomorrow.”
“Although many employees were dissatisfied with the merger, only the senior manager had the courage to speak up against the board's decision.”
Examples
simple
“Could you speak up? I can't hear you at the back.”
contextual
“If you disagree with the new office policy, you need to speak up during the meeting tomorrow.”
complex
“Although many employees were dissatisfied with the merger, only the senior manager had the courage to speak up against the board's decision.”
Usage
intransitive and does not take a direct object; often used with 'against' or 'for' when expressing an opinion.
Teaching tip
distinguish between the literal sense of volume and the figurative sense of advocacy; use a role-play where students must 'speak up' for a classmate's rights.
Pitfall
Please speak up your voice.
Please speak up.
'speak up' is intransitive and cannot take 'voice' as an object; the verb itself already implies increasing the volume.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
speak + up
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/speak-up