English Collocations about Speaking

English Collocations about Speaking

Hello, dear English learners! Lovely to have you back for another lesson. If you’ve been studying English for a while, you’ll know that collocations are absolutely essential. They’re the natural word partnerships that native speakers use every day, and if you want your English to sound fluent, confident, and effortless, you really do need to learn them in chunks rather than as single words. English collocations about speaking

Today, we’ll look at 11 useful collocations about speaking — ways of describing how people talk, what they say, and how they take part in conversations. These collocations are perfect for everyday English, but also extremely useful for Cambridge exams such as B2 First and C1 Advanced, where natural phrasing is key to a high score.

Let’s dive in!

Have a brief chat

Meaning: to have a quick, informal conversation.

• Sandra called me at the office today and we had a brief chat about our trip to Italy.
• I’d like to have a brief chat about my daughter’s grades before the parents’ evening begins.

Change the subject

Meaning: to stop talking about one topic and start talking about something else.

• I didn’t feel like talking about work, so I changed the subject.
• Simon quickly changed the subject before they started arguing.

Crack a joke

Meaning: to tell a joke, usually to lighten the mood or make people laugh.

• Robin cracked a joke to liven up the atmosphere.
• Back in school, John was always the one who would crack a joke and cheer everyone up.

Drop a hint

Meaning: to suggest something indirectly.

• Diana dropped a hint about what she’d like for her birthday.
• Could you drop a hint to the boss about me staying late at the office?

Get to the point

Meaning: to say the most important thing without unnecessary details.

• The meeting time is limited, so let’s get to the point.
• Stop beating about the bush and get to the point!

English collocations about speaking

Join in a conversation

Meaning: to take part in a discussion that is already happening.

• You’re all welcome to join in the conversation with your ideas.
• Laura overheard them discussing the new law and decided to join in the conversation.

Speak off the record

Meaning: to say something privately, not intended for the public.

• I don’t want the employees to know, but I can speak off the record with you about it.
• The Minister’s comments were strictly off the record.

Speak highly of someone

Meaning: to say good things about someone; to praise them.

• The teacher spoke highly of Brian and said he’s one of the top students.
• Tourists often speak highly of the islanders’ hospitality and delicious cuisine.

Make an observation

Meaning: to comment on something based on what you have noticed.

• I’ve been observing sea turtles for a while, and I’d like to make an observation regarding their safety.
• Before we continue, I’d like to make an observation you may find useful.

Whisper softly

Meaning: to speak very quietly, usually so as not to be overheard or to avoid disturbing someone.

• The baby was sleeping, so Mary whispered softly on the phone.
• Michael leaned closer and whispered softly in her ear.

English collocations about speaking

Wish someone luck

Meaning: to express hope that someone will succeed.

• Everyone at the party wished me luck in my new job.
• I wish you luck with your project — you’ll do brilliantly!