Say vs Tell – Meaning, Usage, Examples & Rules
Understanding the difference between "say" and "tell" is essential for using English correctly in school exams, competitive tests, and everyday conversations. These two verbs are important reporting words in spoken and written English. Mastering their usage improves both grammar and communication skills for students and language learners.
| Word | Meaning | Grammar Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Say | To express something in words | Usually used without a direct object (listener) | He said, “Good morning.” |
| Tell | To give information to someone | Always followed by a person (listener/object) | She told her friend the truth. |
Difference Between Say and Tell
The main difference between say and tell is that "say" does not need an object, but "tell" always needs a person as an object. Using them correctly is important for sentence transformation, narration, and reported speech in English exams and daily use.
| Aspect | Say | Tell |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Object | Not required | Required |
| Use in Reported Speech | He said (that)... | He told me (that)... |
| Common Structure | say + “words” say + clause |
tell + person + “words”/clause |
| Examples | She said, “I am ready.” He said he was tired. |
She told me she was ready. He told his teacher about the homework. |
Say: Meaning and Usage
"Say" means to speak or express in words. It is used when you do not mention who is spoken to. In reported speech, "say" connects to the statement, not the listener.
- She said, “I love English.”
- He said he would help.
- They said that the exam was tough.
Tell: Meaning and Usage
"Tell" means to inform, order, or instruct someone. After "tell", you must mention the listener or object. It is often used with stories, information, or commands.
- She told me her name.
- He told us a story.
- They told the teacher the answer.
Say vs Tell in Reported Speech
Students often face confusion while changing direct to indirect speech. The correct reporting word is important based on the structure:
- Use "said" when no listener is given:
He said, “I am fine.” → He said that he was fine. - Use "told" when the listener is present:
He said to me, “I am fine.” → He told me that he was fine. - Never use “said me” (incorrect), always use “told me” (correct).
Common Errors and Quick Tips
- Incorrect: She said me the truth.
Correct: She told me the truth. - Incorrect: He told, “I am ready.”
Correct: He said, “I am ready.” - Remember: "Tell" needs a listener. "Say" does not.
- For indirect speech: "said that" (for statements), "told (person) that" (for statements with listener).
Short Sentences and Examples with Say and Tell
- I said, “Thank you.”
- My mother told me to study.
- He said he liked cricket.
- She told her sister a secret.
Simple Exercises: Say vs Tell
Choose the correct option: say / tell
- 1. Can you _______ me your name? (tell)
- 2. Please _______ “hello” to your friends. (say)
- 3. He _______ the truth to his parents. (told)
- 4. She _______ she was tired. (said)
- 5. _______ me the answer. (Tell)
- 6. I _______ I was sorry. (said)
- 7. The teacher _______ us to open our books. (told)
- 8. Why did you _______ that? (say)
- 9. Don’t _______ lies. (tell)
- 10. He _______ he would come. (said)
Answers: 1. tell 2. say 3. told 4. said 5. Tell 6. said 7. told 8. say 9. tell 10. said
Quick Dos and Don’ts for Say and Tell
- Use "say" for general speech, without a listener.
- Use "tell" when a person/listener is mentioned.
- Don't use "said me". Use "told me".
- For reported commands, use "told": She told me to wait.
- For reported speech without listener, use "said": He said it was late.
Related Topics for Better Understanding
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Reported Speech Exercises
- Difference Between Was and Were
- Linking, Intransitive & Transitive Verbs
- Basics of Grammar
- Order of Words in a Sentence
To summarise, understanding the difference between say and tell is important for proper English grammar and exam success. "Say" is used without a listener, while "tell" always needs a person as an object. Practising these rules with Vedantu and real-life examples boosts both writing and speaking skills in English.
FAQs on Difference Between Say and Tell in English Grammar
1. What is the difference between say and tell in English?
The main difference between say and tell lies in their usage with objects. Say is typically used without a direct object, while tell always requires an indirect object (a person) and often a direct object (what is being said).
2. What is the difference between say and tell with examples?
The key difference between say and tell lies in their object usage. Say reports speech directly, often without mentioning the recipient, while tell implies communication directed at someone.
Examples:
- He said, “Hello.”
- She told me a secret.
- They said goodbye.
- I told them the truth.
3. Which is correct: you say or you tell?
Whether to use “you say” or “you tell” depends on the context and the presence of an object. Use “you say” to report speech without a direct recipient; use “you tell” when communicating something to someone.
Examples:
- You say you understand, but your actions suggest otherwise.
- You tell me these things will change, but how?
4. Should I say or should I tell?
Use “say” when you're merely reporting speech without specifying a listener. Use “tell” when communicating to a specific person or group. This also applies to indirect speech.
Examples:
- “He said he was leaving.” (No specific listener mentioned)
- “He told his mother he was leaving.” (Specific listener mentioned)
5. Which is correct, you said or you told?
The correct choice between “you said” and “you told” depends on the context. “You said” is used for reporting speech generally, while “you told” requires a specific recipient.
Examples:
- “You said you’d be here by now.”
- “You told her I was going to the party.”
6. What is the difference between say and tell in reported speech?
In reported speech, “say” reports direct speech without a specific recipient. “Tell” requires an indirect object, indicating the person or people who received the information. The tense often changes in reported speech.
7. How do we use say and tell in reported speech?
When changing from direct to indirect speech, “said” is often replaced with “said that,” and “told” is followed by an indirect object (“him,” “her,” “them”). The tense of the verb usually changes.
8. What are some exercises to practice say and tell?
Practice exercises should include sentence transformations changing direct speech to indirect speech using both “say” and “tell” correctly. Also, practice identifying correct usage in sentences or correcting those using incorrect verb forms.
9. Is it correct to say “He said me the news”?
No, “He said me the news” is incorrect. The verb “say” doesn’t take a direct object. The correct sentence is “He told me the news” or “He said the news to me.”
10. What are the grammar rules for using say and tell?
Say is usually followed by a direct quote or a clause that explains what was said, without specifying to whom it was addressed. Tell always takes an indirect object (the person being told) followed by a direct object (what was said). Say can be followed by 'to' + object but it is less common.
11. Difference between say and tell in Hindi?
In Hindi, the difference is similar. कहना (kahana - say) is used without a specific recipient, while बताना (batana - tell) requires mentioning the person being told. The nuances remain the same across languages.
12. Say and tell grammar rules?
The core rule is object usage. Say generally doesn't take a direct object; tell always requires an indirect object (the person receiving the information) and often a direct object (the information itself).
