The verb to speak · Conjugation
Past Simple of speak
The answer: spoke
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to speak is spoke.
Example: She spoke to the teacher.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | spoke |
| You | spoke |
| He / She / It | spoke |
| We | spoke |
| You (pl.) | spoke |
| They | spoke |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Spoke ≠ spoken
There are three different forms: speak → spoke → spoken. I spoke (Past Simple) is not the same as I have spoken (Present Perfect).
2. I speak the English ❌
I speak English ✓ / I speak the English ✗. Names of languages take no article.
3. Speak to or speak with?
Speak to is more common in British English. Speak with is common in American English. Both are correct: I spoke to my teacher after class.
Practice quiz
Going further
The English contest tests the Past Simple of speak in real sentences
Instead of a single school exercise, your students meet this tense in context, in a contest that really motivates them.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of speak?+
The Past Simple of speak is spoke, the same for every person. The past participle is spoken, which is different. Speak → spoke → spoken.
What is the difference between spoke and spoken?+
Spoke is the Past Simple, used alone: I spoke to her yesterday. Spoken is the past participle: I have spoken to her.
What is the difference between speak and talk in English?+
Speak is a little more formal, and we often use it for a language. Talk is more for conversations. I speak Spanish. I talked to her after class. The two verbs are very close.
How do you make speak negative in the past?+
Use didn't + speak: He didn't speak to me. After didn't, use the base form → speak.
How do you say which languages you speak?+
Use speak + the name of the language, with no the: I speak English. She speaks Spanish. Use the Present Simple, because it is a skill you always have.
Related pages: speak Past Simple
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/speak/past-simple
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.
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More forms of the verb to speak are coming soon.