Rules and Examples for Using Say and Tell Correctly
Understanding the difference between "say" and "tell" is essential for using English correctly in school exams, competitive tests, and everyday conversations. These two verbs are important reporting words in spoken and written English. Mastering their usage improves both grammar and communication skills for students and language learners.
| Word | Meaning | Grammar Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Say | To express something in words | Usually used without a direct object (listener) | He said, “Good morning.” |
| Tell | To give information to someone | Always followed by a person (listener/object) | She told her friend the truth. |
Difference Between Say and Tell
The main difference between say and tell is that "say" does not need an object, but "tell" always needs a person as an object. Using them correctly is important for sentence transformation, narration, and reported speech in English exams and daily use.
| Aspect | Say | Tell |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Object | Not required | Required |
| Use in Reported Speech | He said (that)... | He told me (that)... |
| Common Structure | say + “words” say + clause |
tell + person + “words”/clause |
| Examples | She said, “I am ready.” He said he was tired. |
She told me she was ready. He told his teacher about the homework. |
Say: Meaning and Usage
"Say" means to speak or express in words. It is used when you do not mention who is spoken to. In reported speech, "say" connects to the statement, not the listener.
- She said, “I love English.”
- He said he would help.
- They said that the exam was tough.
Tell: Meaning and Usage
"Tell" means to inform, order, or instruct someone. After "tell", you must mention the listener or object. It is often used with stories, information, or commands.
- She told me her name.
- He told us a story.
- They told the teacher the answer.
Say vs Tell in Reported Speech
Students often face confusion while changing direct to indirect speech. The correct reporting word is important based on the structure:
- Use "said" when no listener is given:
He said, “I am fine.” → He said that he was fine. - Use "told" when the listener is present:
He said to me, “I am fine.” → He told me that he was fine. - Never use “said me” (incorrect), always use “told me” (correct).
Common Errors and Quick Tips
- Incorrect: She said me the truth.
Correct: She told me the truth. - Incorrect: He told, “I am ready.”
Correct: He said, “I am ready.” - Remember: "Tell" needs a listener. "Say" does not.
- For indirect speech: "said that" (for statements), "told (person) that" (for statements with listener).
Short Sentences and Examples with Say and Tell
- I said, “Thank you.”
- My mother told me to study.
- He said he liked cricket.
- She told her sister a secret.
Simple Exercises: Say vs Tell
Choose the correct option: say / tell
- 1. Can you _______ me your name? (tell)
- 2. Please _______ “hello” to your friends. (say)
- 3. He _______ the truth to his parents. (told)
- 4. She _______ she was tired. (said)
- 5. _______ me the answer. (Tell)
- 6. I _______ I was sorry. (said)
- 7. The teacher _______ us to open our books. (told)
- 8. Why did you _______ that? (say)
- 9. Don’t _______ lies. (tell)
- 10. He _______ he would come. (said)
Answers: 1. tell 2. say 3. told 4. said 5. Tell 6. said 7. told 8. say 9. tell 10. said
Quick Dos and Don’ts for Say and Tell
- Use "say" for general speech, without a listener.
- Use "tell" when a person/listener is mentioned.
- Don't use "said me". Use "told me".
- For reported commands, use "told": She told me to wait.
- For reported speech without listener, use "said": He said it was late.
Related Topics for Better Understanding
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Reported Speech Exercises
- Difference Between Was and Were
- Linking, Intransitive & Transitive Verbs
- Basics of Grammar
- Order of Words in a Sentence
To summarise, understanding the difference between say and tell is important for proper English grammar and exam success. "Say" is used without a listener, while "tell" always needs a person as an object. Practising these rules with Vedantu and real-life examples boosts both writing and speaking skills in English.
FAQs on Understanding the Difference Between Say and Tell in English
1. What is the difference between say and tell?
The main difference between say and tell is that tell is usually followed by a person (object), while say is not directly followed by a person.
- Use say + something: She said she was tired.
- Use tell + someone + something: She told me she was tired.
- If you mention the listener after say, use to: She said to me that she was tired.
2. How do you use say in a sentence?
Use say to report words or information without directly mentioning the listener.
- Say + clause: He said he was busy.
- Say + something: She said nothing.
- Say + to + person: He said to me, “Hello.”
3. How do you use tell in a sentence?
Use tell when you mention the person who receives the information.
- Tell + someone + something: She told me the truth.
- Tell + someone + (that) clause: He told us that he was leaving.
- Tell + someone + to + verb: She told him to wait.
4. Do you say “tell to someone” or “tell someone”?
The correct form is tell someone, not “tell to someone.”
- Correct: She told me the news.
- Incorrect: She told to me the news.
5. When do we use say to someone?
Use say to someone when you want to mention the listener after the verb say.
- She said to me, “I understand.”
- He said to his friend that he was sorry.
6. What are common expressions with tell?
Several fixed expressions in English commonly use tell instead of say.
- Tell the truth
- Tell a lie
- Tell a story
- Tell the time
- Tell a joke
7. What are common expressions with say?
There are several fixed expressions where only say is correct.
- Say sorry
- Say hello
- Say thank you
- Say something/nothing
8. Can you use say and tell in reported speech?
Yes, both say and tell are used in reported (indirect) speech, but their structure is different.
- Say + (that) clause: She said that she was tired.
- Tell + object + (that) clause: She told me that she was tired.
9. Is it correct to say “He said me”?
No, “He said me” is incorrect because say cannot be directly followed by a person.
- Incorrect: He said me the answer.
- Correct: He told me the answer.
- Correct: He said to me that he was sorry.
10. How can I remember the difference between say and tell?
An easy way to remember the difference is: tell = tell someone, while say = say something.
- If there is a person right after the verb, use tell.
- If there is no person, use say.
- If you add a person after say, use to.
