The Differences Between 'Say' and 'Tell': A Clear Guide for English Learners

Learning English can be tricky, especially when words seem similar but are used differently. Two such words are 'say' and 'tell'. They both involve speaking, but they are not the same. Let's explore how to use them correctly.

Understanding 'Say'

'Say' is a verb we use when we want to repeat words someone spoke or express something. We often use 'say' without mentioning the person who is being spoken to.

Correct Use of 'Say'

1. Use 'say' to share what someone spoke.

   For example:

   • "She said she was happy."
   • "He said he would call me."

2. Use 'say' when you want to express something in general.

   For example:

   • "I must say, this cake is delicious!"
   • "They say it will rain tomorrow."

Incorrect Use of 'Say'

• "She said to me she was happy." (Incorrect)
• "He said me he would call." (Incorrect)

Correct Versions:

• "She said she was happy."
• "He said he would call me."

Why the Mistakes?

'Say' is typically not followed by a person unless you use "to". This is different from 'tell', which we will see next.

Understanding 'Tell'

'Tell' is a verb that involves giving information to someone. It is often followed by the person who receives the information.

Correct Use of 'Tell'

1. Use 'tell' to talk about giving information to someone.

   For example:

   • "He told me a secret."
   • "She told us the story."

2. Use 'tell' with a person and information.

   For example:

   • "Please tell him to come."
   • "I told her the truth."

Incorrect Use of 'Tell'

• "He told that he was tired." (Incorrect)
• "She told to us the story." (Incorrect)

Correct Versions:

• "He told me that he was tired."
• "She told us the story."

Why the Mistakes?

'Tell' usually needs a person right after the verb. It is different from 'say', which does not.

Comparison Table: 'Say' vs 'Tell'

Real-Life Scenarios

Writing an Email to Your Boss

Imagine you need to write an email to your boss about a meeting.

• Correct: "I wanted to tell you about the meeting tomorrow."
• Incorrect: "I wanted to say you about the meeting tomorrow."

Texting a Friend

When texting a friend about plans:

• Correct: "He said the party starts at 7 PM."
• Incorrect: "He told the party starts at 7 PM."

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1

• Wrong: "She said me she was leaving."
• Right: "She told me she was leaving."
• Why: 'Say' does not directly mention the listener.

Mistake 2

• Wrong: "He told that he was busy."
• Right: "He said that he was busy." or "He told me that he was busy."
• Why: 'Tell' needs a person, or you can use 'say' if no person is mentioned.

Mistake 3

• Wrong: "Tell to her to wait."
• Right: "Tell her to wait."
• Why: 'Tell' is directly followed by the person.

Quick Summary / Cheat Sheet

• Use 'say' for general speech or when not mentioning a listener.
• Use 'tell' when you mention who receives the information.
• 'Say' is not followed by a person, unless using "to".
• 'Tell' must be directly followed by a person.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use 'say' and 'tell' interchangeably? A1: No, 'say' and 'tell' have different uses. 'Say' is for general speech, while 'tell' involves a listener.

Q2: How do I know when to use 'say'? A2: Use 'say' when you are not mentioning a specific listener after the verb.

Q3: What is a common mistake with 'tell'? A3: A common mistake is forgetting to mention the person receiving the information, like "He told that..." which should be "He told me that..."

Q4: How can I practice using 'say' and 'tell'? A4: You can practice by writing sentences and using tools like Blindspot to check for grammar blind spots.

Understanding 'say' and 'tell' will help you speak and write English more clearly. Remember to pay attention to who receives the information when choosing between them. Happy learning!