Past Tense of “speak”
The past simple of “speak” is “spoke” and the past participle is “spoken”. Below are the pronunciation, three example sentences, the mistake learners make most often, and a short drill to check yourself.
Forms of “speak”
speak – spoke – spoken
talk; use a language
- Base form
- speak/spiːk/
- Past simple
- spoke/spoʊk/
- Past participle
- spoken/ˈspoʊkən/
- -ing form
- speaking
- He / she / it
- speaks
Pronunciation (US)
Quick practice
5 questions. Type the missing form.
Example sentences
Three everyday sentences that show how the forms are used.
Past simple
I spoke to the manager about the problem.
Past participle
Have you spoken to your parents?
Passive
Spanish is spoken in more than 20 countries.
The most common mistake
Wrong
English is speak in many countries.
Correct
English is spoken in many countries.
The passive needs the past participle: is + spoken.
Verbs with the same pattern
All 3 forms different. Learn these together.