How to Use Say Vs Tell A Complete Explanation | Advanced Level

Difference Between The Verbs Say and Tell

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How to Use Say Vs Tell A Complete Explanation

How to Use Say Vs Tell

In many languages 'say' and 'tell' both mean the same and they are used in the same way.  In English, both verbs are used to communicate verbally, but they are used differently:     

Rule - 1

Say: You say something.        

Tell: You tell someone something.

Rule - 2

Say: It is used to express something in words, to relate, to make a statement or to repeat.

Tell: It is used to give a detailed report, to inform, to give instructions.

For example

We can say like this:  "Nandhika said to me to buy a mobile."  

We cannot say like this: "Nhanhika said me to buy a mobile". 

The Structure of Say 

Rule -1

1. Subject + "Say" + direct object (something/the thing you said).

For example

He said sorry. 

Rule -2

2. Subject + "Say" + direct object + to + indirect object (someone, the person to whom you said it).

For example

He said sorry to them.

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Rule -3

3. Say + noun

For example

Say a prayer.

Rule -4

The Expressions are with "Say"

Say good morning.

Say good afternoon.

Say good night.

Say it is true or false.

Say a lot.

Say a little.

Say nothing.

Say sorry.

Say thanks.

say Please.

Say yes.

Say no.

Say what you want to say.

Say it loudly.

Say hello.

Say goodbye.

Rule -5

"Say" with Direct Speech:

For example

Ravi said, "Hello Victoria."

"It is great shot!" they said.

Dilnawaz said, "I like it".

Rule -6

We use "say" with direct questions:

For example

Junaid said: "Do you go there?"

The officer said to the servant, "Where did you go at 8pm?"

We can say in this way: "My friend told me to go there."  

We cannot say in this way: "My friend told to me to go there". 

The Structure of "Tell"

Rule -1

Tell + objective pronoun (me/us/you/them/him/her/the person we're talking to/about)

For example

They met her.

Rule -2

Tell + objective pronoun + direct object (something/the thing you said)

For example

They gave me a book.

Rule -3

Tell + objective pronoun + about + direct object (something)

For example

They told me about the news.

Rule -3

Tell + objective pronoun + infinitive (to) (for instructions and advice)

For example

They told me to follow the rules strictly.    

Rule -4

The Expressions are with "Tell"

Tell a story/joke.

Tell a secret.

Tell a friend.

Tell the truth/time.

Tell a lie.

Tell me why/how.

Rule -5

"Tell" is used with Direct Speech:

Mother told son: "Write neatly."

They told her, "We are learning grammar."

Rule -6

We use "Tell" with Direct Questions

Note: We cannot use "Tell" with direct questions.