This document discusses the differences between using "say" and "tell" in English. Say is used when directly quoting someone, while tell is used when conveying information to someone. Examples are provided to illustrate when to use each word. Specifically, say is used for reported speech, while tell is used for orders, advice, and certain fixed phrases like "tell a story" or "tell the time."

1. When to use which?
say OR tell?

2. Say and tell have similar meanings
but we use them differently
• You say something
 You tell someone something

3. Let’s look at some examples:
• Pam said she was sick.
 Pam told Peter that she was sick.

4. Direct speech
We can use say with direct speech. We
use tell only with direct speech that is an
instruction or information:
 . Amy said, "Hello, dear. How are you?"
 “I’m fine," he said.
 He told me: "Open the door, quickly."
 She told him, "I have never been to Angola."

5. Reported speech
We can use say and tell to talk about
reported information:
 “The postman was late,” she said.
She said that the postman was late.
 “We won’t come, Mary,” they told her.
They told Mary they wouldn’t come.

6. Reported speech
• We cannot use say or tell to report
questions. We must use ask (or a similar
verb):
 “Have you ever been here?” she asked me.
She asked me if I had ever been there.
• “Where do you want to go?, they asked me.
They asked me where I wanted to go.

7. Orders, advice
• We use tell + object + infinitive for orders or
advice:
 She told him to go to sleep.
 They told me not to take the pills.
 “Tell Amy to go on holiday and forget work.”

8. Some fixed phrases with tell
• We cannot use say with these phrases:
• tell (someone) a story
• tell (someone) a lie
• tell (someone) the truth
• tell the future (= to know what the future
will bring)
• tell the time (= know how to read a clock)
Thanks to www.presentationmagazine.com for this template.