Say vs tell
Tell is usually followed by the listener, as in tell me. Say is about the words themselves, as in say hello. Some phrases always use tell, even with no listener: tell the truth, tell a lie, tell a story, tell a joke.
Think of tell as say to, so tell me means say to me.
say verb
To speak words out loud, or to give information or an opinion, in speech or writing.
- She says the train is late.
- Please say your name slowly.
tell verb
To say something to a person, give them information, or order them to do something.
- Can you tell me the way to the station?
- My boss told us to wait outside.
Watch out
- If you name the listener after say, put to before them: say hello to your mom, never say your mom hello. With tell, the listener usually comes right after it: tell your mom, though tell the news to your mom is also correct.He said sorry to his sister and then told her the whole story.
- Tell can also mean to know or recognize something, or to see a difference. Say does not have this meaning.Can you tell which cup is mine?
- Say is also used for what a sign, clock, label, or letter shows.The label says to wash it in cold water.
Test yourself
Can you blank me what time the bus leaves?
Show answer
tell. The listener, me, comes right after the blank, so tell fits.
Please blank your name slowly so I can write it down.
Show answer
say. You are speaking a name out loud, so use say.
She stood up to blank thank you to everyone who came.
Show answer
say. The words come first and the listeners come after to, so use say.
Did the doctor blank you to rest for a few days?
Show answer
tell. The doctor is giving an order to a person, you, so use tell.