# speak up

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/speak-up
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to talk more loudly so that people can hear you; to say your opinion clearly, especially to support or defend something.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Please speak up your voice." but "Please speak up." — 'speak up' is intransitive and cannot take 'voice' as an object; the verb itself already implies increasing the volume.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.