Want to improve how you describe the way people speak in English?
In this post, we’ll look at 10 useful verbs to describe speaking. These verbs will help you sound more natural in conversation and avoid using the same basic words again and again. If you often use “say” or “talk”, this vocabulary will help you speak more clearly and confidently.
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Fluent Speakers Use These Verbs
10 Verbs to describe speaking
Harry
In this lesson, I’ll take you through 10 advanced English verbs one by one. I’ll explain what each verb means and give simple examples so you can see how to use them in real situations.
These verbs describe different ways of speaking and will help you express yourself more naturally in both formal and informal English.
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to mumble
Meaning: to speak in a low, unclear way, often due to nervousness, lack of confidence or poor articulation
Examples:
He mumbled his way through the school presentation, and nobody could understand what he was saying.
Without practice in public speaking, she tended to mumble when asked to speak in front of others.
to mutter
Meaning: to speak in a quiet voice, usually to yourself or under your breath, often expressing annoyance or disagreement
Examples:
After being criticised, he muttered something under his breath that no one could quite catch.
The old man muttered to himself as he moved around the kitchen deciding what to do next.
to murmur
Meaning: speak softly or in the background, especially in a group, creating a low, indistinct sound
Examples:
As the audience waited for the play to begin, a quiet murmur filled the theatre.
The bar was crowded and lively, filled with the constant murmur of conversation.
10 Verbs to describe speaking
to blurt out
Meaning: to say something suddenly and without thinking, often revealing something that should have been kept secret or silent
Examples:
He blurted out the answer before the teacher had finished the question.
When the football broke the window, one of the children blurted out who did it.
to confer
Meaning: Talk together in private, often to make a decision or share views, usually in a formal or serious setting
Examples:
The board members left the room to confer before announcing their decision.
During the quiz show, the team conferred briefly before choosing their final answer.
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to growl
Meaning: to speak in a low, grumpy or angry voice, often to show irritation
Examples:
He growled at his colleague for interrupting him again.
After a bad morning, she growled a reply without making eye contact.
to snarl
Meaning: to speak in a sharp, aggressive way, often sounding rude or hostile
Examples:
She snarled in frustration after being soaked in the rain.
His voice snarled with irritation when someone asked the same question twice.
to whisper
Meaning: to speak very softly so only someone close can hear, often to avoid being overheard or to be discreet
Examples:
They whispered in the library so they wouldn’t disturb anyone.
She leaned over to whisper something to her friend during the lesson.
10 Verbs to describe speaking
to exclaim
Meaning: to speak loudly and excitedly, often to express surprise, joy or strong emotion
Examples:
He exclaimed in delight when he saw the sun finally come out.
She exclaimed how much she loved someone, unable to hold it back.
to stammer / stutter
Meaning: to speak with difficulty, repeating sounds or words, especially when nervous or under pressure
Examples:
He began to stammer when asked to speak in front of the group.
She stuttered through the first few lines of her speech before calming down.
These 10 verbs to describe speaking will help you add variety to your English and express yourself more clearly. Instead of repeating simple words like “say” or “tell”, try to use these verbs in your own examples. The more you practise, the more confident and natural your speaking will become.
And if you need more help, contact me on englishlessonviaskype.com where you can book a free trial lesson with a native teacher.
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more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Intermediate English travel vocabulary
English vocabulary related to driving
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
