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Vocabulary : Phrasal Verbs : S : speak out

speak out

Meaning: If you speak out, you publicly state your position on an issue, or publicly oppose or defend someone or something.

Synonym: speak up

For example:

  • speak out He was arrested after he spoke out against the military government.

  • speak out The former Vice President has spoken out in defence of his policies on torturing political prisoners.

Quick Quiz:

The president of a well-known human rights organisation spoke out against the jailing of drug users when he was
  1. having breakfast with his wife
  2. chatting with some friends
  3. being interviewed on TV

Grammar explanation: separable and non-separable phrasal verbs

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