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Pop quiz! What do you think is the difference between the following questions?
Why does one sentence use "tell" and the other "say"? Do they mean different things?
Read to the end to find out. Along the way, we promise you'll learn all the differences between "say" and "tell" you need to know to use them correctly in English conversations!
While they seem similar, "say" and "tell" actually mean different things. "Say" means "to express a thought in words" while "tell" means "to inform."
In other words, "say" focuses on the words people use to express themselves. For example, here are some sentences which all focus on words.
The first sentence asks for a word, the second talks about a word, and the third one asks someone to repeat some words. Because the focus of all these sentences is on words, we can only use "say."
On the other hand, "tell" focuses on the information people give each other when they talk. That's why English speakers use "tell" to ask for directions. For example, you would hear someone say, "Could you tell me how to get to Big Ben?" but not "Could you say how to get to Big Ben?"
Here are some more sentences which focus on information and can only use "tell."
In many cases, both "tell" and "say" can be used. For example, both of these sentences are natural:
They just mean slightly different things. The "say" version sounds like you're repeating your tutor's words while the "tell" version focuses more on the fact that your tutor gave you some information.
Sentences with "tell" and "say" are about people talking to one another, so it makes sense that they need to say who the speaker and what was their message was. However, sentences with "tell" must also say who the listener was.
For example, here are some sentences that use "tell." Notice how they all mention the listener.
Sentences with "say" can mention the listener too, but that is optional. So if mentioning the listener doesn't make sense, just use "say."
When you use "say," remember that you need to use the preposition of direction "to" if you want to mention the listener.
On the other hand, don't use "to" when you use "tell."
"Say" can be used in both direct and indirect reported speech while "tell" is normally only used in indirect reported speech.
Direct Reported Speech
Indirect Reported Speech
Remember that the basic meaning of "say" is "express thoughts in words" while the basic meaning of "tell" is "inform." As a result, English speakers are more likely to use "say" to quote someone and "tell" to paraphrase a message.
This difference has also been shown in studies. For example, a study of spoken American English found that in cases of direct reported speech, "say" was used 79-87% of the time while "tell" was only used 1-3% of the time. Similarly, a British English study found that "tell" was around 10 times more likely to be used for indirect reported speech than for direct reported speech.
Finally, "tell" and "say" actually have other meanings besides "express a word in thoughts" and "inform." We'll cover the main meanings that are related to talking and explain how "tell" and "say" aren't interchangeable in these cases.
"Say" also means "think." This is a meaning that "tell" does not have. As a result, only "say" can be used in sentences like these:
So if someone says to you, "What does Sally say about the new restaurant?" they're not really asking for the words that came out of Sally's mouth. They want to know what Sally thinks about the restaurant.
"Tell" also means "to order or instruct (someone to do something)": e.g. "You're not my boss! You can't tell me what to do!"
When "tell" is used in this sense, it's usually followed by a verb in the infinitive ("to") form.
Notice how "tell" in these sentences doesn't mean "inform." For example, the first sentence isn't informing Jim of a fact. It's asking Jim to go away.
"Tell" is also used in the phrase "tell a story." You might also know that "tell" is related to the word "tale," which is a type of story. In fact, this is one of the oldest meanings of "tell." As linguist Albert H. Marckwardt explains:
The earliest recorded meaning of tellan in Old English was 'to recount', 'to enumerate', or 'to relate'. When so used, it referred to an extended narrative or to a series of associated facts.
This is why English speakers say "tell a story" and not "say a story." The same goes for phrases like "tell a joke," "tell the truth," and "tell a secret."
Be careful when using "tell" in this sense, because it is grammatically different from the other senses of "tell." The listener can be omitted and the preposition "to" is sometimes used.
Did you figure out the difference between these two sentences?
English speakers would say "Could you tell me your name?" when they don't know someone's name and need to be informed of it. On the other hand, they would say "Could you say your name for me?" when they know the name but want to hear it pronounced.
If you'd like more practice with "say" and "tell" or want to improve your speaking skills in general, book an online English lesson with an Engoo tutor! We've helped hundreds of thousands of students reach their English learning goals and we're sure we can help you too. Learn more about us here.