The past tense can be tricky to wrap your head around. Luckily, this article (and a range of others) is here to help you understand it. We’ll look at the past tense of “speak” today and try to figure out how the two different past tense forms work with it.
“Spoke” is the simple past tense and is correct when we want to talk about someone “speaking” in the past. “Spoken” is the past participle form of “speak,” which needs an auxiliary verb like “have” alongside it in a sentence before it is grammatically correct.
We can’t use the past participle on its own. Without an auxiliary verb, it makes no sense. These examples will show you what we mean about each verb form:
- We spoke on the phone the other day.
- You have spoken your truth today, and I appreciate you letting me hear it.
You might benefit from referring to this information to help you remember which form works where:
Verb | Speak |
Past | Spoke |
Past Participle | Spoken |
When Is “Spoke” Correct?
The simple past tense is easy to use, so we’ll start by explaining it.
“Spoke” is correct when used with a pronoun. Any pronoun works, and it means that someone or something was “speaking” in the past.
There is nothing more that can be done to affect the outcome of the “speaking” event.
- I spoke
- She spoke
- We spoke
- He spoke
The verb form “spoke” stays the same no matter which pronoun you use. It’s a good way to learn about the verb since it remains uniform.
Example Sentences Using “Spoke”
Naturally, the simple past tense is just that; it’s “simple.” We can show you how you might use it in the following examples:
- We spoke on the phone last night.
- You spoke to my father about my behavior!
- We spoke about this already, and I hope you can forgive me.
- She spoke a lot of nonsense when I was there!
- You spoke too much, and I decided to leave.
- I spoke with you about this before, so why haven’t any changes been made?
“Spoke” is the simple past tense, which works alongside a pronoun. We use it to talk about “speaking” in the past, with no possible way to do anything more about the event in the present.
When Is “Spoken” Correct?
“Spoken” is the more complex of the two. The past participle of any verb often comes with extra rules, and it doesn’t work on its own in any sentence structure.
“Spoken” is correct because it’s the past participle, meaning we need an auxiliary verb like “have” to turn it into the perfect tense. There are three possible perfect tenses we can use when writing with the past participle (past, present, and future).
The verb form of “spoken” never changes, no matter what perfect tense you write in. Instead, you should change the verb form of the auxiliary verb to indicate which perfect tense is being used.
- Past perfect: Had spoken
- Present perfect: Have spoken
- Future perfect: Will have spoken
As you can see, “have” changes tense based on the perfect tense case we use.
The past perfect uses “had” because it’s the past tense of “have.” It means that an event happened in the past and might still impact something in the present.
The present perfect uses “have” because it’s the present tense verb form. It means that someone started “speaking” previously and continues to do so in the present.
The future perfect uses “will” alongside “have” to show that the thing hasn’t happened yet. It creates hypothetical future scenarios based on the actions someone carries out in the present.
Example sentences using “Spoken”
We’ll split the examples into three sections so you can understand what each of the perfect tenses does to the verb format.
Past Perfect
- She had spoken to you about this already, but apparently, she didn’t get through to you.
- We had spoken before about the issues, and I’m disappointed to learn you did nothing to correct them.
“Had spoken” is the past perfect tense. It means that someone has “spoken” in the past about an issue, but the issue still has some kind of relevance or impact on a present event that’s taking place.
Present Perfect
- They have spoken with their lawyers and refuse to make any more comments on the disaster.
- I have spoken to you about this, and I really hope you fix it soon!
“Have spoken” is the present perfect tense. It means that someone has started “speaking” in the past and continues to do so or is just finishing doing so in the present. They could have started ages ago, or they could have started only a few seconds ago (context-dependent).
Future Perfect
- If you’re not careful about what you say next, I will have spoken to your teacher by the end of the day.
- We will have spoken to your parents later tomorrow due to the parents’ evening we are hosting.
“Will have spoken” is the future perfect tense. It means that a future event will be made possible based on what the actions of someone in the present are. Usually, an “if” clause is present in this tense to indicate how the hypothetical event might take place.
“Have Spoke” Vs. “Have Spoken”
“Have spoken” is correct because the past participle (“spoken”) requires an auxiliary verb like “have,” which turns it into the present perfect tense. “Have spoke” is never correct because “spoke” requires no auxiliary verbs (it is only the simple past tense).
- Correct: We have spoken about this already, and my answer is no.
- Incorrect: They have spoke for a long time. I hope everything is okay in there.
Final Thoughts
“Spoke” and “spoken” are the two past tense forms of “to speak.” We use “spoke” as the simple past tense, which doesn’t have complicated rules. “Spoken” is the past participle, and we need to remember the auxiliary verb forms and rules when using it in the perfect tense.
You may also like: Sank or Sunk: Which Is Correct? (Helpful Examples)
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
Asked by: Cecil Hammes
Score: 4.2/5
(62 votes)
The past tense of speak is spoke — Example: ‘I spoke to him yesterday and he was fine’. More versions of speaking in the past include ‘If I had spoken to her earlier I would have warned her not to come. ‘ Speak , spoke, spoken are the present, past and past participle I saw a movie yesterday.
Is I have spoken correct grammar?
I have spoken to him or I’ve spoken to him -is a present perfect and it used for the action that happened in the past continues in the present . Using time expression. I spoke to him yesterday. «I have spoken» means «It has already been done» and is coonected with the present situation.
Does spoke mean talk?
Speak and talk: uses. The verbs speak and talk both generally mean ‘say words’, but there are some small differences in how they are used. Speak is more formal than talk. I need to speak to you.
Is spoke with correct English?
«Spoke with» is a more intimate conversation between two people. There’s usually an exchange, it’s two-way communication. Eg, «I spoke with my friend» «I spoke with my mother last night.» «Spoke to» is more «at» people.
Can I speak to or may I speak to?
No, «may» is not for formal contexts… it is asking for permission to speak to Mr. Johnes. «Can I speak to Mr. Johnes, please» is incorrect because you «can» speak (to Mr.
39 related questions found
How do you use spoke in a sentence?
[T] She spoke to me with a smile. [T] She spoke to him about the matter. [T] When he spoke, everyone became silent. [T] A stranger spoke to me on the crowded bus.
What is the difference between speaking and spoken?
“Speaking English” means you are talking using English words, so speaking is a verb. “Spoken English” is what you call the spoken language, so spoken is an adjective. … Her spoken English is really good.
Am I speaking with or am I speaking to?
American English allows either ‘speak with’ or ‘speak to‘. British English discourages ‘speak with’, though it’s widely used. I’m a native Brit, and use ‘speak with’ wherever possible, despite it being frowned upon by traditionalists.
What does spoke too soon mean?
to say something which is quickly proven not to be true: It looks like Hanna will be late – I spoke too soon, here she comes now.
Is spoken is past tense of speak?
The past tense of speak is spoke or spake (archaic). The third-person singular simple present indicative form of speak is speaks. The present participle of speak is speaking. The past participle of speak is spoken.
What type of word is spoke?
a simple past tense ofspeak. Nonstandard. a past participle of speak.
How do you use the word spoken?
Spoken sentence example
- We hadn’t spoken in several weeks. …
- His words were spoken with an unusual amount of venom. …
- She knew what the answer was, but hadn’t spoken it. …
- Carmen had already spoken to Mums about it. …
- I’ve spoken with Cooms, a few times. …
- Those were the last words spoken as I turned out the light.
Is it not spoke or have not spoken?
The correct phrase would be «We haven’t spoken for,» not «We haven’t spoke for.»
What does has spoken mean?
Both refer to an action performed in the past. In “He has spoken” one understands the subject spoke in the past and may have been speaking ever since. In “He had spoken” the event occurred in a certain moment and that action is completed. “ He has spoken with her before”, means it’s not the first time they speak.
When to use speak to and speak with?
I have seen «Speak to» being used when there is a monologue kind of a situation, A speaks and B listens. Refer Shinto’s answer. This has reference to instructing, reprimanding and situations like this. «Speak with» is a more neutral kind of a term implying a bidirectional communication.
How do you politely ask someone?
How to Ask for Favors
- Be direct but polite. …
- Don’t make it sound bad. …
- Avoid guilt. …
- Don’t cross the line. …
- Show respect. …
- Avoid constant one-sided favors. …
- Be personal but straightforward. …
- Take «No» for an answer.
How do you ask who is calling professionally?
Say “Hello, this is (name)” to let people know who you are. If you answer the phone and the caller doesn’t give his name, you can say “May I ask who’s calling, please?”.
Why it is called spoken English?
It means the language itself, as it is spoken or written—the whole collection. So, speaking English or writing English is what you do (or what any other person does). Spoken English is how the language is when it is spoken.
Is Speaked a word?
(nonstandard) Simple past tense and past participle of speak.
What does English speaking mean?
1. English-speaking — able to communicate in English. communicatory, communicative — able or tending to communicate; «was a communicative person and quickly told all she knew»- W.M.Thackeray.
Had spoke in a sentence?
I had spoken to the man’s wife. She and I had spoken only English. I had spoken to them a few hours earlier. I wish I had spoken out sooner and louder».
What is spoke culture?
Spoke Culture is an online shop from Perth, Australia, one of the most isolated cities in the world. Focused on fixed gear cycling, it’s not only a webstore, but a way to live the bike/fixed scene as well.
How do you reply may I speak to?
«It’s him/me«, «this is us» (etc, etc) is grammatically correct.
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WordReference Random House Learner’s Dictionary of American English © 2023 spo•ken /ˈspoʊkən/USA pronunciation
adj.
Idioms
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2023 spo•ken
adj.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: spoken /ˈspəʊkən/ vb
adj
WordReference Random House Learner’s Dictionary of American English © 2023 speak /spik/USA pronunciation
Idioms
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2023 speak (spēk),USA pronunciation v.i.
v.t.
speak′a•ble, adj.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: speak /spiːk/ vb (speaks, speaking, spoke, spoken)
ˈspeakable adj ‘spoken‘ also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations): |
|
разговорный, устный, выраженный словами
прилагательное ↓
- устный; разговорный
spoken language — а) разговорная речь; разговорный язык; б) устная речь
- выраженный словами, громкий
the silent and the spoken protest — молчаливый и громкий /открытый/ протест
- (-spoken) как компонент сложных слов:
soft-spoken — тихий, негромкий
plain-spoken — ясно выраженный
- p. p. от speak
Мои примеры
Словосочетания
words spoken in lamentation for the dead — слова, сказанные за упокой умерших
the Concise Dictionary of Spoken Chinese — краткий словарь разговорного китайского языка
a few well-spoken words — несколько слов, произнесённых к месту
spoken electronic mail — речевая электронная почта
spoken message — устное сообщение
spoken message информ. — речевое сообщение
well-spoken politician — политик, умеющий хорошо говорить
foul spoken — сквернословящий
foul-spoken — сквернословящий
free spoken — откровенный; прямой
he had spoken towards an hour and a half — он проговорил около полутора часов
mild spoken — с мягким голосом; с тихим голосом
Примеры с переводом
English is spoken here.
Здесь говорят по-английски.
I haven’t spoken to anyone all day.
Я не разговаривал ни с кем весь день.
He is well spoken of.
О нём хорошо отзываются.
He had spoken towards an hour.
Он выступал около часа.
He was well spoken of.
О нём хорошо отзывались.
Is this dance spoken for?
Этот танец уже кому-нибудь обещан?
Reply so aptly spoken.
Ответ, так кстати прозвучавший.
ещё 23 примера свернуть
Примеры, ожидающие перевода
I’ve never met him, but I’ve spoken to him on the telephone.
Gaelic is still spoken in Ireland by a tiny minority.
He made a cutting remark about my family, and I haven’t spoken to him since.
Для того чтобы добавить вариант перевода, кликните по иконке ☰, напротив примера.
Возможные однокоренные слова
unspoken — невысказанный, невыраженный
spoken — перевод на русский
/ˈspəʊkən/
She couldn’t even speak.
Она даже не могла говорить.
This is not the time nor place to speak of such things, and I must ask you to remember you are in the house of God… What God? Whose God?
Ќе врем€ и не место говорить такие вещи, и € должен напомнить вам, что вы в доме √оспода… акого √оспода? «ьего √оспода?
You shouldn’t think such things, let alone speak them
О таком даже думать нельзя, а уж тем более говорить
It is unfortunate you are no longer able to speak.
К несчастью, вы уже не способны говорить.
From now on, you can speak.
Твоё желание исполнено С этого момента ты можешь говорить!
Показать ещё примеры для «говорить»…
Well, I do, I want to speak to my kids, but I don’t know which one to choose.
То есть, знаю — я хочу поговорить с детьми, но не знаю… с кем из них.
I have calmed down, I am ready to speak to Rebecca, so get out.
Я успокоилась и готова поговорить с Ребеккой, так что выметайся.
Oh, lad, you must speak to them.
О, юноша, ты должен поговорить с ними.
I WANT TO SPEAK TO HER.
Я хочу поговорить с ней.
May I speak to Mr. Corbett, please?
Могу я поговорить с мистером Корбеттом, пожалуйста?
Показать ещё примеры для «поговорить с»…
I forbid you to speak another word with Manuela
Я запрещаю вам с ней разговаривать
I forbid you to speak to him from now on.
С этой минуты я запрещаю тебе разговаривать с ним.
To speak to me like that!
Так со мной разговаривать!
— If you speak…
— Если ты будешь разговаривать…
These ladies won’t be speaking with their husbands.
Дамы перестанут разговаривать со своими мужьями.
Показать ещё примеры для «разговаривать»…
They’re sort of the prom king and queen, so to speak, of freshman year.
Они — король и королева выпускного бала, если можно так сказать, девятиклассников.
Especially as you have, so to speak offered your apologies Apologies which are worthless unless repeated before your peers We are waiting
Особенно потому что вы должны, так сказать, принести свои извинения которые ничего не значат если вы не принесёте их в присутствии сверстников мы ждём
Marinated, so to speak.
— Добытчик, так сказать.
— Let me speak.
— Позвольте сказать.
There’s something I want to speak of.
Да, я хотел сказать…
Показать ещё примеры для «сказать»…
And you wish me to speak and destroy this happiness?
И вы хотите, чтобы я заговорил и уничтожил это счастье?
Who spoke?
Кто заговорил?
Whenever you looked at me or spoke to me or walked with me in the garden,
Когда бы ты не посмотрел на меня, не заговорил со мной, я знала, что ты думал:
I knew a real inspector would never have spoken to me like that.
Я знала, что настоящий инспектор в жизни со мной так не заговорил бы.
I want God to stretch out His hand, uncover His face and speak to me.
Я хочу, чтобы Бог протянул мне свою руку, открыл мне своё лицо, и заговорил со мною.
Показать ещё примеры для «заговорил»…
I hear an old samurai speaking.
Я слышу слова старого самурая
I have no right to speak to you so.
У меня нет прав на такие слова.
Sometimes the spoken word can be pretty dull.
Порой слова кажутся скучными.
You’ve hardly spoken a word to me.
Ты и слова мне не сказал.
— Who gets to speak here?
У кого здесь право слова?
Показать ещё примеры для «слова»…
Speaking of professional hazards…
Кстати, о профессиональной деформации…
Speaking of: back up your phone, because some of the things on here are… irreplaceable.
Кстати, берегите свой телефон, потому что некоторые вещи в нем незаменимы.
In a manner of speaking, he’s already here.
Кстати, он уже здесь.
Speaking of gypsy music, we’ve had a lot of trouble selling those Ochi Tchornya boxes, haven’t we?
Кстати, о цыганской музыке. Мы никак не можем допродать… — …шкатулки «Очи чёрные» .
Speaking of bosoms…
Кстати о грудяx …
Показать ещё примеры для «кстати»…
— I want to speak…
— Есть разговор.
I HEARD THEM SPEAK OF A DASHING MR. BROWN, BUT I THINK IT CANNOT BE THE SAME.
Я слышала их разговор о бравом мистере Брауне, но я думаю, это не могли быть вы.
Well, she spoke to me about it once, while she was Mr. Cardew’s widow.
У нас был разговор еще тогда, когда она была вдовой мистера Кардью.
We won’t speak about those people any more, they make my blood boil.
Мы больше не будем заводить разговор об этих людях, от них у меня кровь закипает в жилах.
No, faith, it’s not, Kate: thy speaking of my tongue, and I thine, must needs be granted to be much alike.
Нет, Кет, честное слово, мой разговор на твоём языке и твой на моём — стоят друг друга.
Показать ещё примеры для «разговор»…
Have you decided to speak at last?
Решили, наконец, всё рассказать?
You have no real friends to speak of, and I appreciate how much this yacht means to you.
У тебя нет даже друзей, чтобы рассказать им о твоих планах. Только я осознаю, как много для тебя значит эта яхта.
I’ve been asked by Dr. Fairfax to speak on his behalf about the continuation of his research funds.
ƒр. ‘эйрфэкс попросила рассказать на что были потрачены отпущенные средства и что надо продолжить финансирование.
— To speak of us, right?
— Чтобы рассказать все о нас.
I do beseech you that I may speak with you, good my lord.
Откройте — я должна вам рассказать…
Показать ещё примеры для «рассказать»…
(speaking in tongues and convulsions) And come to present times.
(конвульсии и бессвязную речь), чтобы устремить свой взор к настоящему…
And now, friends, in view of the fact that Miss Potter’s engagement… is being celebrated here tonight, so to speak, I think a few words from her mother would be revolting.
Друзья, в виду того факта что мы собрались здесь сегодня… на свадьбу мисс Полли… нам неотвратимо придется выслушать речь ее матери.
I hardly ever hear english spoken, so I am interested at once.
Я услышал английскую речь…
This the Dauphin speaks.
Про герцогства не заводили речь.
Beautifully spoken.
Прекрасная речь.
Показать ещё примеры для «речь»…