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say ~ tell

[different pronunciation]

These two words, as verbs, express almost the same idea; however, there are some very clear differences in the usage in certain situations:

The main point we have to note and remember all the time at this basic level is that the verb word ‘say’ takes the preposition ‘to’ after it when it is used with an object, and the verb word ‘tell’ does not take any preposition when used with an object.

Another important point is that the verb word ‘say’ may be followed by an object in some expressions and may not be followed by any object in some other expressions, but, in almost all the situations, (except in some passive voice sentences), the verb word ‘tell’ takes an object.

To put it in a nut shell, when we use ‘say’ in our sentences, we may or may not use an object, and if an object is used we use the preposition ‘to’ after it; and when we use the verb word ‘tell’ in our sentences, we must use an object after it, without any preposition between them.

e.g.

He says that he doesn’t like the English language.    [without an Object]

He says to me that he doesn’t like the English language.   [with an Object and the preposition ‘to’ between them]

She said, “I don’t like you.”    [without an Object]

She said to me, “I don’t like you.”    [with an Object and the preposition ‘to’ between them]

But…

He told me that he didn’t like the English language.  [with an Object but without the preposition ‘to’]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Say”, as a verb ~~~  say – said – said  saying , is ‘to give out some idea or what one thinks of something or to answer a question by word of mouth, i.e. using one’s voice in making meaningful sounds which others hear and understand; (to give information in the form of written words, numbers or pictures, used about signs, clocks, letters, messages)’,

e.g.

He says his name is Peter, but the name on his ID is Paterson.

The spiritual guru says to his followers, “Feed me with the best fresh fruit and fresh hot cow milk, and your hunger will be quenched!”

The sign on the door of his office says:

Back in 10 minutes

All the clocks in my office say the same time.     {‘show’ & ‘tell’ are also possible here}

The label on the syrup bottle says to take two table spoons after every meal.

I can’t understand what the speaker is trying to say in her horrid speech!

And as noun, it is ‘the right or power to take part in doing or deciding something’

The employees in our office have a say in how to run the office.    [i.e. the workers can express their opinions and can suggest some plans in running the office]

My father has the final say in our family matters.

And as an interjection {American English expression}, ‘say’ is ‘used to get someone’s attention so that the speaker can tell them something’,

e.g.

Say, don’t I know you from somewhere?

____________________

“Tell” (verb ~~~  tell – told – told – telling ) is ‘to express some idea, to communicate information, a story, some feelings, etc. by word of mouth, i.e. by using one’s voice in making meaningful sounds which others hear and understand’,

e.g.

She tells me that she likes me very much.

Who told you how to do this?

*Can you tell the difference between a soda and a sparkling wine?

Tell me everything you’ve seen or heard.

Common Errors:

1.

The teacher said me to leave the examination hall.  [wrong]

The teacher told me to leave the examination hall.  [right]

2.

Her lawyer said her that they lost the case.  [wrong]

Her lawyer told her that they lost the case.   [right]

OR

Her lawyer said that they lost the case.  [right]

3.

In the next meeting they are going to say about latecomers.  [wrong]

In the next meeting they are going to talk about latecomers. [right]

4.

This book tells about the basic vocabulary.  [wrong]

This book is about the basic vocabulary.       [right]

5.

His mother told that he hadn’t eaten anything.   [wrong]

His mother told the doctor that he hadn’t eaten anything.  [right]    [here with ‘told’ either ‘the doctor’ or some other object must be used]

6.

Stop saying me what to do!  [wrong]   {only with ‘wh’ words + the “to-infinitive”}

Stop telling me what to do!  [right]

But…

Stop saying (that) I have lost!

{Note: When it comes to Direct and Indirect Speech ‘say’ is used in both the Direct and Indirect Speech expressions,

e.g.

‘He said to me, “I need your help.”’ OR ‘“I need your help,” he said to me. – Direct Speech;

AND    ‘He said (to me) that he needed my help.’ – Indirect Speech.

But …

‘He told me, “I need your help.”’ – Direct Speech [wrong];

However, ‘He told me that he needed my help.’ – Indirect Speech  [right]}

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