Welcome to Learn English Fluently Academy! Today we’re exploring two verbs that cause a lot of confusion: say and tell. You’ve probably used both words before, but might be uncertain about when and how to use them properly.
By the end of this article, you’ll master both verbs and speak more naturally like a native English speaker. Whether you’re working on your fluency or just improving your everyday English, understanding the difference between say and tell is essential.
Mistake #1: Using “Say” Without Understanding Its Structure
The Key Rule: “Say” Does Not Require an Object
One of the most important things to remember about the verb say is that it does not require an object. You can use say when you are quoting words or talking about something that was spoken, but you don’t need to mention who it was said to.
For example:
He said, “I’m going to the store.”
Here we are quoting the exact words without needing to specify who he was speaking to. The focus is on what he said, not who he said it to.
Another example:
She said she would call me later.
In this case, “she said” is the main focus, and we don’t need to mention the recipient of her words unless we are quoting the exact conversation.
Quick Tip to Remember
If you’re quoting something or simply talking about what someone spoke, say is your verb. You don’t have to worry about the listener, just the words.
What Not to Do
Don’t confuse it with tell. Remember, say is more about the words themselves.
Incorrect example:
He said to me, “I’m going to the store.”
This sounds unnatural because you’re using say but also specifying the recipient. Say doesn’t require this.
Mistake #2: Using “Tell” Without an Object
The Key Rule: “Tell” Always Needs an Object
Unlike say, tell always needs an object. It is used when you are communicating something to a specific person. The key difference is that tell focuses on who the information is being communicated to.
For example:
I told her the news.
Here you can see that the person receiving the information (her) is the focus. Therefore, tell needs this object.
Another example:
I told my friend about the party.
Again, you need to mention who you are telling something to. Without the object, the sentence would be incomplete.
Important to Remember
You cannot just say “I told the news” or “I told about the party.” These sentences are incomplete without the person being told.
Here’s another example to drive this point home:
I told him the truth.
Notice the difference? You must mention who you’re telling.
A Helpful Trick
If you’re telling someone something, tell is your verb. And don’t forget, you always need to specify the person.
Mistake #3: Asking Questions With the Wrong Verb
Using “Say” for Questions About Words
When you’re asking about what someone has said, say is the correct verb. If you want to know what someone mentioned, use say.
For example:
What did she say about the meeting?
Here, you’re asking about the specific words she used. Notice how you don’t need to specify the listener.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Don’t say: “What did she tell about the meeting?”
This would be incorrect because tell requires an object, which is the person who is being told.
Another example:
Did you hear what he said?
You’re focusing on the words spoken, not the listener.
Quick Reminder
When you’re asking about someone’s words, say is the way to go. Don’t worry about the listener at this stage.
Mistake #4: Giving Commands With the Wrong Verb
Using “Tell” for Commands and Instructions
One of the most important things to know about tell is that it’s used to give commands or instructions. If you want to direct someone to do something, tell is the verb you should use.
For example:
Tell me your name.
Here, you’re giving a direct command. The focus is on asking the listener to do something, specifically to tell you their name.
Another example:
Tell him to be quiet.
Again, this is an instruction. You’re directing the listener to give a command to someone else.
What Not to Say
You wouldn’t use say in these instances. It would sound awkward:
Incorrect: “Say me your name.”
You would never say that. The correct phrase is: “Tell me your name.”
Here’s another example:
Tell her to come here now.
You’re giving a direct command. It’s very clear and direct.
Mistake #5: Misusing “Say” and “Tell” in Indirect Speech
The Difference in Reporting Speech
When you’re reporting what someone else has said, there’s an important difference between say and tell.
Using “Say” in Indirect Speech
With say, you don’t need to include the person you’re talking to. You’re just reporting the words.
For example:
He said that he would come later.
Here, you’re simply reporting what was said. The listener isn’t important in this sentence. The words are.
Using “Tell” in Indirect Speech
With tell, you must include the person being told the message.
For example:
He told me that he would come later.
Here, you can see that “me” is included because tell needs an object, which is the person being told.
Quick Comparison
| Using “Say” | Using “Tell” |
| She said that she was tired. (just reporting the words, no recipient specified) | She told me that she was tired. (now, you see who is being told) |
Remember:
- Say doesn’t require an object. You’re just focused on the words themselves.
- Tell requires an object, which is someone you are telling something to.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use “said to” instead of “told”?
While “said to” and “told” might seem interchangeable, they’re not. “Said to” is less common and often sounds less natural than “told” when you’re specifying who received the information. Native speakers typically prefer “told” when mentioning the recipient.
Can I ever use “say” with an indirect object?
Yes, but it’s less common and has a slightly different structure. When “say” is used with an indirect object, it typically uses the preposition “to” as in “He said to me that he was tired.” However, this construction is less common in everyday English than simply using “tell”: “He told me that he was tired.”
What about phrases like “tell a story” or “tell the truth”?
These are fixed expressions where “tell” is used with nouns like “story,” “truth,” “lie,” “joke,” or “time.” In these cases, the focus isn’t necessarily on who receives the information but on the act itself. For example: “She always tells interesting stories” or “Please tell the truth.”
Summary: Key Differences Between “Say” and “Tell”
| Say | Tell |
| Does not require an object (who you’re speaking to) | Always requires an object (who you’re telling) |
| Used for quoting or reporting words | Used for communicating information to someone |
| Used in questions about someone’s words | Used for giving commands or instructions |
| Focus is on the words themselves | Focus is on the person receiving the information |
I hope this cleared up any confusion and helped you understand when to use each verb. Remember, it’s all about who is being communicated with and the focus of the action, whether it’s the words themselves or the person you’re speaking to.
Keep practicing and using these tips in your conversations, and soon you’ll sound just like a native English speaker!