SAY and TELL are two of the most commonly used verbs in English, but many learners find them confusing. They both refer to speaking or communicating, but they are used in different ways.
- Say is used when reporting words or speech without mentioning the listener directly.
- Tell is used when giving information or instructions, and it requires a listener (someone receiving the information).
In this article, we will explain when to use “say” and “tell”, along with their correct usage, sentence structures, and common collocations. Understanding the difference between these two verbs will help you speak and write more naturally in English. With clear explanations and examples, this guide will make learning easier.
How to Use Say
Say is used to express words or thoughts, often focusing on what is spoken. It doesn’t need a listener.
Structures:
- Say + (something)
- He said hello.
- She said that she was tired.
- Say + “to” + (someone)
- He said to me that he was leaving.
- She said to her friend that she was busy.
Examples:
- She said she was happy.
- He said he would call later.
- “I love this movie,” she said.
- The teacher said the test was difficult.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrect: He said me that he was tired.
Correct: He said to me that he was tired.
How to Use Tell
Tell is used to give information, instructions, or narrate something, focusing on who is being spoken to.
Structures:
- Tell + (someone) + (something)
- He told me a secret.
- She told us the story.
- Tell + (someone) + to + (verb)
- The doctor told him to rest.
- She told me to wait outside.
Examples:
- She told me she was busy.
- He told us to wait outside.
- The doctor told him to take medicine.
- “Be careful,” she told me.
- Can you tell me the time?
Common Mistakes:
Incorrect: She told that she was tired.
Correct: She told me that she was tired.
Collocations with Say and Tell
Collocations are word combinations that are commonly used together in English.
Collocations with Say:
- Say hello – She always says hello to her neighbors.
- Say sorry – He said sorry for being late.
- Say a word – Please don’t say a word about this.
- Say something/nothing – He said nothing during the meeting.
- Say no more – “I understand, say no more.”
Collocations with Tell:
- Tell the truth – Please tell the truth about what happened.
- Tell a lie – He told a lie to avoid trouble.
- Tell a story – She told a funny story at dinner.
- Tell a joke – He told a joke, and we all laughed.
- Tell the time – Can you tell me the time?
Direct vs. Indirect Speech with Say and Tell
Both “say” and “tell” are often used in reported speech (also called indirect speech).
Direct Speech
- “I am tired,” she said.
- “Please wait here,” she told me.
Indirect Speech (Reported Speech)
- She said she was tired.
- She told me to wait there.
Key Rule: Use “say” without a person but “tell” with a person.
Quiz: Say vs. Tell
1. She ______ she was tired.
a) said
b) told
c) say
2. He ______ me a funny story.
a) say
b) said
c) told
3. Can you ______ me the time?
a) say
b) tell
c) told
4. “I will be late,” she ______.
a) tell
b) said
c) told
5. My friend ______ me about the meeting.
a) said
b) tell
c) told
6. He ______ that he liked pizza.
a) said
b) told
c) tell
7. She ______ me she would call later.
a) said
b) told
c) tell
8. He ______ he was going home.
a) told
b) say
c) said
9. She ______ us to wait outside.
a) said
b) tell
c) told
10 Can you ______ something in Spanish?
a) tell
b) say
c) told
Quiz Answers
1) said
2) told
3) tell
4) said
5) told
6) said
7) told
8) said
9) told
10) say
