Learn powerful verbs for speaking in English. This lesson teaches you advanced English vocabulary to describe how people speak in real-life situations.
These speech verbs will improve your English skills for both spoken and written communication. They’re especially useful for students preparing for English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL or CAE, where a wide range of vocabulary is essential.
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Table of Contents
14 Powerful Verbs for Speaking in English
Harry
In this advanced English lesson, we focus on verbs of speech. These are verbs that describe how people speak in different situations.
Many English learners rely on basic verbs like “say” or “tell.” These are useful, but they do not give much detail. Native speakers often choose more specific verbs to show how something is said. This could be speaking in an angry voice, in a quiet way, or with a complaining tone.
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blurt (out)
Meaning: to say something suddenly and without thinking
Examples:
She suddenly blurted out that it was him who had taken the money.
He blurted out the answer before anyone else had a chance to speak.
One of the children suddenly blurted out the answer before the teacher had finished the question.
chant
Meaning: to repeat a word or phrase again and again, often in a singsong way
Examples:
The fans began to chant the names of their favourite players as the team walked onto the pitch.
The audience chanted for the rock star to come back on stage for an encore.
entreat
Meaning: to ask someone seriously and emotionally to do something
Examples:
His friends entreated him not to go on such a crazy diet.
His wife entreated him not to resign his job just because he’d had a row with his boss.
14 Powerful Verbs for Speaking in English
hiss
Meaning: to speak in a quiet, angry way
Example:
“Get out!” she hissed, her voice shaking with anger.
snap
Meaning: to speak suddenly in an angry or impatient way
Example:
“Don’t touch that!” he snapped angrily when she reached for the wires.
whine
Meaning: to complain in an annoying, high voice
Example:
Stop whining like a baby – it’s only a small scratch.
mouth
Meaning: to say something without making any sound
Examples:
She mouthed something to her friend during the meeting, trying not to attract attention.
He mouthed the words “thank you” across the room so no one else could hear.
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nag
Meaning: to criticise or keep asking someone to do something again and again in an annoying way
Examples:
She keeps nagging me to take the bins out every morning.
He was being nagged to go and collect her mother.
retort
Meaning: to reply quickly and angrily
Examples:
The politician retorted that the opposition had no better plan.
The politician retorted that the accusations were completely false.
scold
Meaning: to speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong
Examples:
His mother scolded him for breaking her favourite cup.
In the past, teachers and parents used to scold children for almost everything.
snivel
Meaning: to cry and sniff in a way that is annoying
Examples:
She came home snivelling and tried to explain what had happened at school.
I can’t understand you when you’re snivelling. Try to speak clearly so I can help.
14 Powerful Verbs for Speaking in English
squeal
Meaning: to make a long, high sound or speak in a high voice
Examples:
She squealed with delight when she opened the box and saw the earrings inside.
He squealed with excitement when he realised he had won the lottery.
tease
Meaning: to annoy someone by deliberately not telling them something they want to know
Examples:
Stop teasing me and just tell me where you’ve booked the holiday!
Meaning: to laugh at or make fun of someone in an unkind or annoying way
She was often teased at school because of her braces.
Harry was teased at school for having an English accent.
yell
Meaning: to shout loudly, usually because you are angry, frightened or in pain
Examples:
He yelled at his brother to stop messing around with his phone.
His mum told him not to yell up the stairs and to go and call his brother properly instead.
So, that’s it — 14 useful verbs to describe how someone speaks. Try to practise them, notice them in real conversations or books, and think about when they’re used in direct speech.
And of course, if you need more help or examples, just let me know. You can always find me at www.englishlessonviaskype.com.
This is Harry, thanking you for watching, thanking you for listening — and I’ll see you in the next lesson. Take care.
speak better English with Harry podcast- episode 532
more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Advanced Idioms for Problem-Solving
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
