Say vs Tell: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Say focuses on the words themselves, while tell usually emphasizes the person receiving the information.
Memory Tip: say = words spoken, tell = listener focused
say ends with /eɪ/, tell ends with /ɛl/
say
nounThe term "say" as a noun refers to the act of expressing an opinion or making a statement, particularly in contexts where authority or influence is implied, and it often carries connotations of the weight or significance of that expression in discourse or
Example:
I say hello to my teacher every morning.
Common patterns:
have a say
give one's say
say in the matter
say /seɪ/
verbTo say something is to speak or tell it.
Example:
I say hello to my teacher every morning.
Common patterns:
say a word
say hello
tell /tɛl/
verbTo communicate information or facts to someone using spoken or written words.
Example:
I tell my brother a story before bed.
Common patterns:
Ability to tell stories
jokes
the time
Common Mistakes
He said me the news yesterday.
He told me the news yesterday.
Use 'tell' when specifying the person who receives the information.
She told that she was tired.
She said that she was tired.
Use 'say' when focusing on the words being spoken, without directly mentioning the listener.
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. I ____ hello to my teacher every morning.
2. I ____ hello to my teacher every morning.
3. I ____ my brother a story before bed.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse say / tell again
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