核心问题
我们的英语老师告诉我们:要想表达“跟……说话”的意思,只能用 speak to,而不能用 speak with。是这样吗?
词典解答
speak to 与 speak with 都可表达“跟……说话”“跟……谈话”的意思，只是前者用得更多一些。下面三道托福题可以证明这一点：
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Although I have often met him and spoke with him, I am not yet used to his manner. (TOEFL) (答案为 B, 应将 spoke 改为 spoken)
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The Duke of Angus had not spoke to the queen often, but when he had, he had always done so with great respect and admiration. (TOEFL) (答案为 A，将 had not spoke改为 had not spoken)
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"How can Mary get her money back?" "I advised ____ to the manager." A. her speak B. her to speak C. that she speaks D. a speech by her(TOEFL)
但是,应当记住:speak to 还有单独的用法:对……发表讲话;就……发表意见:
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An orator spoke to a crowd. 一位演说家向群众发表讲话。
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Would any committee member care to speak to the question? (LDPV) 哪位委员想就这个问题发表意见?