Talk/ speak + to
I want to talk to you
I was talking to a fan yesterday
“Talk to” implies a more one-way communication. “Speak to” is even more so. The boss often says “I want to speak to you, come to my office” and this usually is not a fun situation.
“I would like to talk with you” expresses togetherness, a two-way conversation, a much kinder expression
Say + to
I want to say something to you
Say that again to my friend and you’ll regret it
Note: Say me is not usual. Use Tell me.
Note II: You can order people to speak by using quoted (reported) speech
Say “you love me”
x: Say me you love me
x: Say to me you love me
x: Say to me that you love me (correct grammar but not usual)
o: Say “Yes, Sir!”
Tell – to
Tell me you love me
Don’t tell him!
Leona told me about the situation
Apologise + to
Apologise to the boss, now!
Shingo would like to apologise to you, for his mistake
British Trains would like to apologise to our customers for the delay
talk / Shout + at
This implied the force of communication is not precise, it’s blasting an area, it’s a one way communication.
Please don’t shout at me!
Why are you shouting at me for?
This guy was talking at me all day, what an ass.
Shout + to
This is precising, normally because there is a need to, because of a noisy location etc.
He shouted the names to me
He shouted to them from the rooftop
Call / cry / Shout + out
This shows that it was loud enough that other people could hear it. It’s possible to add + to + subject.
He shouted out the names of the participants
He called out the names of the top 8
He shouted out in pain
They cried out in pain
Explain + to
Could you please explain this to me
x: Please explain me
o: Please explain to me how this is possible / how this works
o: Please explain this to me
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