ENGLISH GRAMMAR
SAY vs TELL: meaning and use
When do we use 'say' and when do we use 'tell'?
SAY and TELL
are often confused or misused.
You SAY something to someone : Alex said hello
to everyone.
You TELL someone something: Jack told Jill he was tired.
- Say is used to report someone's words.
- She said "I'm thirsty. I'd like a glass of water."
- She said (that) she was thirsty and would like a glass of water.
- He said he would call to see his parents on his way home.
- Say is followed by 'to' before the object :
- Did she actually say that to you?
- Please say a few words to the pupils before you leave.
- He didn't say anything to his parents about his plans.
- Say hello to your parents for me.
- He was asked to say a few words to the participants.
- Did she actually say that to you?
-
Say is used to ask about languages :
- Do you know how to say 'water' in Spanish?
- How do you say "thank you" in Chinese?
- Do you know how to say 'water' in Spanish?
- We say :
'hello', 'goodbye', 'please', 'thank you', 'yes', 'no', 'congratulations', 'good luck', 'sorry', 'excuse me', 'Merry Christmas', 'Happy New Year', 'Happy Birthday', 'see you soon' ...
- Tell is used to inform or instruct :
- Could you tell me the way to the station please?
- Tell the children to go to bed!
- Don't tell a lie. Tell me the truth!
- Tell the postman to leave the parcel on the porch.
- Tell is followed directly
by the object (no 'to'):
- Did she tell you her name?
- I'm sure Anna will tell us all the latest news.
- Tell me if you need any help.
- The teacher told the children to stop making noise.
- Tell is used for narration:
- Tom has always been very good at telling stories.
- I want you to tell me all about your trip.
- He often starts his speeches by telling a joke.
- Tell me how you met your husband/wife.
- We tell :
the time, our name, how to do something, the truth, a lie, a secret, a story, a joke, the difference between two things, tell (someone) how to do something, tell someone's fortune, the way to the station, where something is ...