Say vs Tell: Easy Explanation and Examples for English Learners

Introduction:-One of the most common questions English learners ask is: say vs tell difference

Both verbs are used to report speech, but they follow different grammar rules and are used in different ways.

In this article, you will learn details about Say vs Tell and how to use them correctly, and see many examples to help you speak and write more clearly in English.

What Does “Say” Mean?

“Say” means to speak words or express something using words. It focuses on what was said, not to whom it was said.

Grammar Structure:

• say + something•

say + (that) + clause

Examples:

• Halima said she was tired.

• They said, “Good morning.”

• she said that she would come later.

Important: After “say,” we usually do not use a person directly. Instead, we can use “to” + person if needed.

• She said to me that she liked the movie. (Correct)

• She said me that she liked the movie. (Wrong)

More Examples with “Say”:

• He said he didn’t understand the question.
• The teacher said the exam would be next week.
• “I love learning English,” she said happily.

More Examples with “Tell”:

• They told us to be quiet during the movie.
• I told my parents about the trip.
• Please tell her I will call later.

What Does “Tell” Mean?”

Tell” means to inform or give information to someone. It focuses on the person who receives the information.

Grammar Structure:

• tell + someone + something

• tell + someone + (that) + clause

Examples:

• She told me she was tired.

• I told him the truth.

• He told his friend that he was late.

Important: You must mention the person (the listener) after “tell.”

• she told me the story. (Correct)

• He told the story. (Also correct, but the listener is not clear)

• He told that he was sorry. (Wrong)

Common Expressions with “Say vs Tell”

Common Expressions with “Say”:

• say hello

• say something

• say sorry

• say yes/no

• say a few words

• Please say hello to your parents.

• She said no without thinking.

Common Expressions with “Tell”:

• tell the truth

• tell a lie

• tell a story

• tell a joke

• tell the time

• Can you tell me a story?

• He told a funny joke.

Extra Common Expressions:

Expressions with “say”:

• say nothing
• say goodbye
• say what you mean

Expressions with “tell”:

• tell secrets
• tell someone off (meaning: to scold)
• tell the difference

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.What Is the Say vs Tell Difference?

let’s explain the Say vs Tell Difference?

“Say” is used to express the exact words someone speaks, often without mentioning who they speak to.

Example: She said, “I’m happy.

”“Tell” is used when you mention the person who receives the information.

Example: She told me she was happy.

2. Can I say “He said me”?

No. Use “He told me” or “He said to me.”

3. Is it correct to say “Tell to him”?

No. Say “Tell him,” not “Tell to him.”

4. What if I don’t want to say who I told?

You can drop the person: “I told the truth.”

5. Which is more formal, “say” or “tell”?

Both are neutral. Formality depends more on the sentence structure and tone.

6. Can I use “say” in commands?

Yes, but it’s not common. Use “tell” more often in commands.
Example: Tell him to stop (common).
Say to him to stop (not common).

7. Can I use “say” and “tell” in passive voice?

Yes.
Example (say): It was said that the meeting was canceled.
Example (tell): I was told to wait.

Practice Dialogue (Short Conversation)

Ahmed: What did she say?
Fatima: She said she would come at 5.
Ahmed: Did she tell you anything else?
Fatima: Yes, she told me to bring my notebook.
Ahmed: Oh, I see. She also said she was excited to join us.

This short dialogue shows both “say” and “tell” in natural conversation.

Say vs Tell exercise

Choose the correct verb: “say” or “tell”

• He ___ me to study hard.

• She ___ she was hungry.

• Please ___ the teacher the answer.

• They ___ they would come later.

• Don’t ___ lies.

Answers:

• told

• said

• tell

• said

• tell

Understanding the difference between “say” and “tell” is important for speaking and writing English correctly.

• Use “say” to focus on the words.

• Use “tell” to focus on who receives the message.

Practice with your own sentences and try to use both verbs in daily conversation. With time, you will feel more confident and fluent.

Write two sentences using “say” and two using “tell.” Share them in the comments or your English journal!

Read also

simple past tense

The difference between say and tell