Say and tell mean the same thing but are used in different constructions.

Remember:

• We say something
• We say something to someone
• We say to someone something
• We tell someone something

Preposition to is never used after tell.

• Mother said: “I am very happy.”
• Mother said (that) she was very happy.
• Mother said to me, “I am very happy.”
• Mother told me (that) she was happy.

Commands and advice: Tell + object + infinitive – is used for commands and advice:

• Tell someone (not) to do something

Examples:

• The teacher told us to stand up.
• She told me not to worry about the time.

Remember the following phrases with say:

so you say

it goes without saying

Remember the following phrases with tell:

tell a story/stories

tell a joke/jokes

tell a lie/lies

tell the truth

tell the future (= to know what the future will bring)

tell the time (= know how to read a clock)

tell apart (=to be able to see the difference between two things/people)

Say vs. Tell - worksheet (556.75 kB) contains thorough explanations on the use of the two words, a list of set expressions, proverbs and sayings, three exercises and an answer key. It can be used by teachers in their classrooms or as a self-study tool.

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