Table of Contents
Introduction
Understanding the difference between say and tell is crucial for effective communication in English. These two verbs, while sharing similar meanings, are used in specific contexts that determine their appropriateness. In this blog post, we will delve into the nuances of “say” and “tell,” exploring their meanings, differences, and collocations to provide clarity on when to use each verb appropriately.
What is the difference between say and tell?
“Say” and “tell” (meaning)
Say and tell are irregular reporting verbs. Both have fairly the same meaning and are used in reported speech.
“Say” means:
To utter words in order to communicate information, an opinion, or a feeling.
Example: “I am fed up with this life,” he said
“Tell” means:
To communicate something to someone in spoken or written forms.
Example: I told her you passed the exam!
The difference between say and tell
Although the verbs “tell” and “say” share some meanings, they are used in different ways. Here are the main differences.
1. Say something vs tell someone something
Generally speaking, you can use say and tell as follows:
You say something BUT you tell someone something.
- With “say,” you don’t need to mention who the ideas or information were shared with.
- With “tell,” you must specify the person to whom the information was conveyed.
For example, it is perfectly Okay to say:
- John said that would travel to Spain.
but it is incorrect to say:
John told that he would travel to Spain.
However, you have to say:
- John told someone that he would travel to Spain.
Her are more examples:
| You say something. | You tell someone something. |
|---|---|
| She said he was her best friend. He said that he couldn’t do the job by himself. The speaker said that the world would be facing a financial crisis very soon. | She told me he was her best friend. He told them the truth, but they didn’t believe him. The politician told the journalist that he would resign soon. |
2. Say something to someone vs. tell someone something
- Tell is used with an indirect object (e.g. tell me something, tell John something…)
- “Say” is usually used without an indirect object. In case we want to add an indirect object after say, we introduce it with ” to”
Examples:
- I told her the story
- Why don’t you tell him the truth?
BUT
- John said to Sara that she was beautiful in her red dress.
- “I’ve just finished doing my homework,” he said to his Mom.
3. Repeating Direct Speech:
- Tell should not be used to repeat the exact words that someone else said in direct speech unless the words give instructions or report information.
- This rule does not apply to “say.”
- For example, it is correct to say:
- She stood up and said, “I have to go.”
- But It is not generally acceptable to say:
She stood up and told, “I have to go.”
- For example, it is correct to say:
Some collocations with “say” and “tell”
In addition to the above differences, say and tell collocate with different words:
Here are some collocations that are used with the verbs “tell” and “say”.
| Say | Tell |
|---|---|
| Hi Hello Goodbye Yes No A word Something A prayer No more Sorry Thank you Anything Everything Nothing Something aloud Something quietly Something briefly | The truth A lie A secret A story For sure The time One’s name Someone the way |
Here are the examples with collocations with say and tell:
Say:
- He always makes a point to say hello to his neighbors.
- Will you say yes to the proposal?
- She didn’t say a word during the entire meeting.
- Can you please say something about your experience?
- Let’s all say a prayer for those in need.
- After his explanation, there was nothing left to say.
- It takes courage to say sorry when you’re wrong.
- Remember to say thank you for the thoughtful gift.
Tell:
- It’s important to always tell the truth, no matter what.
- He couldn’t help but tell a lie to avoid getting into trouble.
- Can you promise not to tell anyone this secret?
- Grandpa used to tell the most fascinating bedtime stories.
- It’s difficult to tell for sure what the weather will be like tomorrow.
- *Do you have a watch that can tell the time accurately?
- Please tell me your name so I can add you to the guest list.
- Can you tell me the way to the nearest bus stop?
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between “say” and “tell” is crucial for effective communication. These two verbs are used in different contexts and require attention. A quick way to get it right is to remember that we say something while we tell someone something. In case we want to mention who something was said to, we use “to,” as in “he said something to someone.”
Related Pages: