What is the Difference Between Say and Tell?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The verbs "say" and "tell" are both used to report ideas or information expressed in spoken language, but they have different usage patterns:
- Say:
- Focuses on the exact words someone said.
- Can be used with direct speech.
- Not used for instructions or reporting information.
- Example: She said, "I love you."
- Tell:
- Focuses on the content or message of what someone said.
- Used to give instruction or information to someone specific, in speech or writing.
- Requires mentioning the recipient of the information.
- Example: She told me she loved me.
In summary, "say" is typically used to repeat the exact words of a speaker, while "tell" is used to convey the content or message of what someone said, often accompanied by an indirect object.
Comparative Table: Say vs Tell
The main difference between "say" and "tell" lies in their usage and the presence of an indirect object. Here is a summary of their differences:
| Say | Tell |
|---|---|
| Used without an object | Accompanied by an indirect object |
| Focuses on the words someone said | Focuses more on the content or message of what someone said |
| Can be used to report someone's words without mentioning the person being addressed | Used to report someone's words with the person being addressed, usually Indirect object |
| Not used to give instructions or report information | Can be used to give instructions or report information |
| Can be used when speaking aloud even when alone | Requires someone to receive the information |
| Examples: "I did not say anything." "She said she was sorry." | Examples: "Please tell your mother to meet me soon." "Tell them to come inside." |
In summary, "say" is used to report spoken words without mentioning the recipient and can be used when speaking aloud even when alone. On the other hand, "tell" is used to give someone information, requires an indirect object, and focuses on the content or message of what someone said.
- Said vs Told
- Talk, Speak vs Say
- Speak vs Talk
- Showing vs Telling in Writing
- What You Say vs What You Do
- Listen vs Hear
- Saying vs Proverb
- Explain vs Describe
- Talking About vs Knowing the Truth
- Are vs Do
- Silent vs Silence
- Does vs Is
- Does vs Did
- Should vs Would
- Trust vs Believe
- See vs Watch
- Look vs See
- Narrative vs Story
- Believe vs Belief