🔑 Key Difference

• “Say” is used to express something in general. It’s often followed by the words being spoken or used in indirect speech.
• “Tell” is used when you’re directing your speech to someone. It focuses on who you’re speaking to and often requires a listener (an object).

1. “Say”

• Definition: To express something in words.
• Usage: Typically focuses on what is being said, without emphasizing the listener.
• Common Patterns:
  • say + something
  • say + “that” clause
  • say + to + someone

Examples:

1. She said she would be late. (Focus is on what she said.)
2. He always says funny things.
3. What did she say to you?

Common Mistake: Avoid using “say” directly with an object (e.g., “She said me” ❌). Instead, use “to” before the object (e.g., “She said to me” ✅).

2. “Tell”

• Definition: To give information or instructions to someone.
• Usage: Focuses on the person being spoken to. Always requires a listener (an object).
• Common Patterns:
  • tell + someone + something
  • tell + someone + “that” clause
  • tell + someone + to + do something

Examples:

1. She told me she would be late. (Focus is on the person being spoken to.)
2. Can you tell him the news?
3. The teacher told us to study for the test.

Common Mistake: Avoid omitting the listener when using “tell” (e.g., “She told that…” ❌). Always include who is being spoken to (e.g., “She told me that…” ✅).

🎭 Analogy

Think of “say” as a solo speaker on a stage 🎤, focusing on the message.
Think of “tell” as a conversation with someone in the audience, focusing on who is being addressed 🎭.

📝 Practice Time:

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “say” or “tell”:

1. She ________ she was tired after work.
2. Please ________ me what time the movie starts.
3. I want to ________ something important to you.
4. What did he ________ to his boss during the meeting?

✅ Answers:

1. said
2. tell
3. say
4. say