spoke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “spoke” mean?
The simple past tense of the verb 'speak', meaning to have said something verbally.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The simple past tense of the verb 'speak', meaning to have said something verbally.
To have communicated or expressed oneself in speech; can also refer to having delivered a formal address, lecture, or presentation. As a noun, it can refer to a rod connecting the center of a wheel to its rim.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the verb form. The noun form (wheel spoke) is identical in both. Phrasal verb usage (e.g., 'spoke up') is equally common.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “spoke” in a Sentence
Subject + spoke + (to/with Object) + (about/of Topic)Subject + spoke + Adverb (e.g., softly)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spoke” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She spoke to the headteacher about the incident.
- The PM spoke eloquently in the Commons debate.
American English
- He spoke with the principal about the issue.
- The President spoke forcefully at the press conference.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'spoke' is not an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'spoke' is not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'spoke' is not an adjective.
American English
- N/A - 'spoke' is not an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports or recounts of meetings: 'The CEO spoke to the board about the new strategy.'
Academic
Used in historical or biographical texts: 'The philosopher spoke on the nature of justice.'
Everyday
Common in narrative about past conversations: 'I spoke to my neighbour this morning.'
Technical
Used in linguistics to describe past tense morphology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spoke”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spoke”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spoke”
- Using 'speaked' (incorrect regularisation).
- Confusing 'spoke with' and 'spoke to' (often interchangeable, but 'with' can imply more mutual exchange).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. It is the past tense of 'speak'. It can also be a noun referring to a radial rod in a wheel, but this is a separate word with a different etymology.
Often interchangeable. 'Spoke to' can imply a more one-directional communication (informing), while 'spoke with' can suggest a conversation or dialogue. The distinction is subtle and not strictly observed.
Group it with other common irregular verbs that have vowel changes: speak-spoke, break-broke, wake-woke. Practice these as a set.
Yes, absolutely. It is the standard past tense form of 'speak' and is appropriate for all registers, from informal to highly formal academic or legal texts.
The simple past tense of the verb 'speak', meaning to have said something verbally.
Spoke: in British English it is pronounced /spəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /spoʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spoke volumes (her expression spoke volumes)”
- “spoke out of turn”
- “spoke too soon”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'broke' (also irregular past tense) - 'I broke a cup, and then I spoke to explain.' Both end in '-oke'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A CONDUIT / SPEECH IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'He spoke for an hour straight').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct past tense of 'speak'?