Say and tell are both used to report speech, but they follow different grammar rules. Use “say” when you do not mention who you are speaking to, and use “tell” when there is a listener or person involved.
Test your English with this say vs. tell quiz and boost your grammar by choosing the correct word to complete each sentence.
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence (1–10).
1) He ___ me to ___ hello to you.
We use "tell someone to do something". We say "say hello" as a common expression.
2) They ___ me a funny joke at lunch.
We use "tell someone something" to give information or a story. "Say" is not used with an object like "me" here.
3) “Don’t worry, everything’s fine,” he ___ softly.
We use "say" to report exact words or quotes. "Tell" is not used with a quote unless there is a person mentioned.
4) We need to ___ the truth, no matter what.
“Tell the truth” is a fixed phrase. We don’t say “say the truth.”
5) Can you ___ me where you put the keys?
We use "tell someone" when giving information directly to a person.
6) He ___ me not to worry about the test results.
"Tell someone not to do something" is used to give instructions or advice.
7) She didn’t ___ goodbye before leaving.
“Say goodbye” is a common expression. We don’t use “tell goodbye.”
8) My boss ___ me that the report was late.
"Tell someone that..." is used when sharing news or information.
9) He didn’t ___ anything when he arrived.
Use “say something / anything / nothing”. “Tell” is not used this way without an object.
10) Don’t ___ a word about this to anyone.
"Say a word" means to speak at all. It is a fixed phrase, and we do not use "tell a word."
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