Language/English/Grammar/Common-Mistakes

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When do we use 'say' and when do we use 'tell'?

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SAY and TELL are often confused or misused.

You SAY something to someone: Fred said hello to us.

You TELL someone something: Bill told Alice he was bored.

SAY

  • Say is used to report someone's words:
    • She said "I'm hungry. I would like something to eat."
    • She said (that) she was hungry and would like something to eat.
    • She said she would stop by to visit with her sister on her way home.
  • Say is followed by 'to' before the object:
    • Did he actually say that to you?
    • Please say a few words to my parents before you leave.
    • Say hello to your parents for me.
  • Say is used to ask about languages:
    • Do you know how to say 'rain' in Russian?
    • How do you say 'pencil' in Russian?
  • We SAY:

'hello', 'goodbye', 'please, 'thank you', 'yes', 'no', 'congratulations', 'good luck', 'sorry', 'excuse me', 'Merry Christmas', 'Happy New Year', 'see you soon'...

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TELL

  • Tell is used to inform or instruct:
    • Could you please tell me the way to the bus depot?
    • Tell me what she is doing!
    • Tell me the truth!
  • Tell is followed directly by the object (no 'to'):
    • Did he tell you his name?
    • Vladimir will tell us the latest news.
    • The teacher told Alan to stop making noise.
  • Tell is used for narration:
    • Issac has alway excelled at telling stories.
    • Can I tell you about my recent trip to China?
    • Please tell me how you met your husband/wife.
  • We TELL:

the time, our name, how to do something, the truth, a secret, a story, a joke, the difference between two things, the way to the store, where something is...

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