GRAMMAR · SUGGESTED LEVEL A2–B1
Say vs tell
Think about the words.
Then look for the listener.
Say something.
Use say for the words or message. To name the listener, add to.
“She said hello.”
“She said hello to her neighbour.”
“She said that she was tired.”
Tell someone something.
With this pattern, put the listener directly after tell. Do not add to before the listener.
“He told me the news.”
“Please tell us your name.”
“They told the children a story.”
A useful exception.
Expressions such as tell the truth, tell a lie and tell a story can work without naming a listener.
“Please tell the truth.”
“Grandad loves telling stories.”
So, don’t memorise “tell always needs a person”. Learn the whole phrase.
WATCH WITH THEO
A quick explanation.
Watch the Short, then put the difference into practice.
Watch on YouTube ↗Opens YouTube in a new tab.
She said hello.
Who received the message?She told me a story.
Choose the word that fits.
Try all eight questions. Some use the past tense; others use the base form.
Show all answers and explanations
- said — Use said for the words she spoke. Before the listener, use to.
- told — Me is the listener: told me about something.
- say — After did, use the base form say. The question asks what words you used.
- tell — Us is the listener: tell us something.
- said — Said can introduce a that-clause without naming a listener.
- tell — After did, use tell. Him identifies the listener.
- said — Use said to report the words someone spoke.
- told — The children are the listeners: told someone a story.
What happened yesterday?
Write or say two sentences about a conversation.
“My friend said…”Get the free practice sheet ↓
“I told my friend…”
Try another small difference.
Bored or boring? ↗Keep practising.
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