Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

(A) May I speak to Mike?
(1) Talking.
(2) Speaking.
(3) (1) and (2) are both OK.

(B) May I talk to Mike?
(1) Talking.
(2) Speaking.
(3) (1) and (2) are both OK.

I am not sure about which is better.

However, the answer for (A) is (2), and the answer for (B) is (1). This is because (A) and (B) are questioning by using the word "speak," "talk" respectively.

Thank you in advance.

[pugachevV]

May I talk/speak to Mike, please?.
The usual answer is, "Speaking", "This is Mike" or "Mike speaking."
Talking is not wrong, but is not used as often as "Speaking" in these circumstances.

[learner12]

Dear pugachevV:

Thank you so much for your experience.

Take care and have a beautiful day!!

[pugachevV]

You 're welcome learner 12.