The verbs say and tell have similar meanings. They both mean "to communicate verbally with someone". But we often use them differently.
The simple way to think of say and tell is:
- You say something
- You tell someone something
Say | Tell | |
| Meaning | The word ‘say’ refers to the action of using words to convey some instruction, information, opinions or thoughts. | The word ‘tell’ refers to giving some kind of instruction or information to someone specific, in speech or writing. |
| Usage | It is used as a verb. | It is used as a verb. |
| Example | I did not say anything. | Please tell your mother to meet me soon. |
Difference between Say and Tell – Meaning and Usage
The English language has a lot of similar words that confuse the users of the language. ‘Say’ and ‘tell’ is one such pair. The meaning of both words seems to be similar. The main difference is in its usage. Let us look at how each verb is used.
Personal object
We usually follow tell with a personal object (the person that we are speaking to). We usually use say without a personal object:
- She told me that she loved Giaco.
- She said that she loved Giaco..
- He told everybody that he had to leave.
- He said that he had to leave.
Say "to someone"
With say, we sometimes use "to someone":
- He said to me that he was tired.
- Tara said to Edwardo that he had done very well.
- Antonio said to her, "I hope you come soon."
- "I'd like to sleep," she said to him quietly.
Direct speech
We can use say with direct speech. We use tell only with direct speech that is an instruction or information:
- Amanda said, "Hello John. How are you?"
- "That's great," she said.
- He told her: "Open the door quietly."
- She told me, "I have never been to South America."
We can use say with direct questions, but we cannot use tell:
- She said: "Do you love me?"
- The policeman said to the prisoner, "Where were you at 8pm?"
Reported speech
We can use say and tell to talk about reported information:
- She said that it was raining in Manta.
- She told me that she would call at 2pm when she returned from Guayaquil.
We cannot use say or tell to talk about reported questions. We must use ask (or a similar verb):
- She asked if I had ever been there.
- They asked what I wanted to eat.
- She asked where he lived.
- He asked if she wanted to go home.
Orders, advice
We use tell + object + infinitive for orders or advice:
- She told him to sit down.
- They told me not to wait.
- Tell Neil to have a holiday and forget her.
Phrases
Here are a few fixed phrases with tell. We cannot use say with these phrases:
- tell (someone) a story
- tell (someone) a lie
- tell (someone) the truth
- tell the future (= to know what the future will bring)
- tell the time (= know how to read a clock)
Right and wrong
Read these examples of correct and incorrect usage:
| right | wrong | Because we cannot... |
|---|---|---|
| Tara told Jo to go away. | Tara | say someone to do something |
| Panita told me that she was hungry. | Panita | say someone something |
| He said that he likes coffee. | He | tell something |
| Tookta told me that she was coming. | Tookta | tell to someone |
| Tookta said to me that she was coming. | ||
| Siriluck always tells lies. | Siriluck always | say a lie |
| Ram said to Nok: "Let's turn on the TV." | Ram | tell somebody "direct speech" (except instructions and information) |
| (Ram told Nok, "Turn on the TV.") | ||
| (Ram told Nok: "I was born in 1985.") | ||
| She asked if I wanted to come. | She | say or tell a reported question |
| Took asked what I wanted to do. | Tookta |
More Examples of Say and Tell
The examples below will help you better understand the usage of the two verbs. Take a look.
- Please say hello to our new Director Mr. White.
- Why don’t you say something about your family?
- Claudia said, “I am tired”.
- Tell the boys not to make a sound and wake the baby.
- My mom told me to buy a dozen eggs on my way back home.
- Can you tell me when the next airport bus would come?
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