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A2 verb #250 most common 11 min read

tell

Top 250

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips tell in 30 Seconds

Explanation tell in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'tell' is one of the first verbs you learn for sharing information. It is primarily used in simple sentences to give personal details or follow basic instructions. You might learn to say 'Tell me your name' or 'Tell me about your family.' At this stage, the focus is on the basic structure: [tell + me/him/her + noun]. It's often used interchangeably with 'say' by beginners, but teachers will start to emphasize that 'tell' needs a person. You also learn it in the context of time, like 'tell the time.' The goal is to use 'tell' to facilitate basic social interactions and understand simple commands from a teacher or parent.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'tell' for more than just names and time. You start using it to report what other people have said, which is a key part of elementary conversation. For example, 'He told me that he was happy.' You also learn to use 'tell' with 'to' for instructions, such as 'The doctor told me to rest.' This level introduces the idea of 'telling a story' or 'telling a joke.' You are expected to distinguish between 'say' and 'tell' more consistently. You also start to encounter 'tell' in more varied contexts, like 'tell the difference' between two things, showing that the word can also mean 'to know' or 'to recognize.'

At the B1 level, your use of 'tell' becomes more natural and fluid. You use it in a wider variety of tenses and with more complex objects. You might use it in the passive voice ('I was told that...') to sound more indirect or polite. You also start to use phrasal verbs like 'tell off' (to scold) or 'tell on' (to report someone). At this stage, you understand the nuances of 'tell' in idioms like 'to tell you the truth' or 'you never can tell.' Your ability to use 'tell' to narrate past events or explain complex procedures increases, and you can use it to express certainty or doubt about a situation, such as 'I can tell she's lying.'

At the B2 level, 'tell' is used with precision and variety. You can easily navigate the differences between 'tell,' 'inform,' 'notify,' and 'advise' depending on the formality of the situation. You use 'tell' in complex reported speech, handling backshifting of tenses effortlessly. You are also familiar with more sophisticated idioms like 'tell its own tale' or 'kiss and tell.' At this level, you can use 'tell' to describe subtle perceptions, such as 'The wear and tear on the book told of its many readers.' You understand how 'tell' can be used to indicate a significant effect, like 'The long hours were starting to tell on his health.'

At the C1 level, 'tell' is used with a high degree of stylistic awareness. You might use it in literary or rhetorical ways to create specific effects. You understand the subtle difference between 'telling someone something' and 'disclosing' or 'divulging' information. You can use 'tell' in academic writing to describe what data or evidence suggests ('The statistics tell a different story'). You are also adept at using 'tell' in its sense of 'to count' or 'to enumerate,' though this is less common. Your use of 'tell' in idiomatic expressions is natural, and you can pick up on the subtle emotional undertones when someone uses 'tell' in a particular way.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the verb 'tell' and all its nuances. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as legal testimony or complex philosophical arguments. You are aware of its historical roots and how it relates to words like 'tally' or 'toll.' You can use 'tell' to express very fine distinctions in meaning, and you can play with the word in creative writing to evoke specific moods. Your understanding of 'tell' includes its most obscure idiomatic uses and its role in various dialects of English. You use the word with total confidence, whether in a casual conversation, a formal speech, or a piece of professional writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

tell in 30 Seconds

Tell is a verb used to communicate information directly to a recipient, often requiring an indirect object like 'me' or 'him'.
It is commonly used for sharing stories, jokes, secrets, and facts, as well as for giving instructions or orders.
Beyond speaking, 'tell' can mean to discern or recognize a difference, as in 'telling two things apart'.
It is an irregular verb with the past form 'told' and is distinct from 'say' which focuses on the words themselves.

The verb tell is a fundamental pillar of English communication, primarily used to describe the act of passing information, instructions, or narratives from one person to another. Unlike the verb 'say', which focuses on the words spoken, 'tell' almost always requires a recipient—the person who is receiving the information. This distinction is vital for learners at the A2 level. When you tell, you are often providing facts, recounting experiences, or giving directions. It is the bridge between a source of knowledge and an audience. In everyday life, we use 'tell' to share news, explain how to do something, or even to express a personal opinion about a situation. Its versatility allows it to function in casual conversations ('Tell me about your day') and in more formal settings ('The report tells us that sales are rising').

Direct Communication: Using 'tell' implies a direct transfer of data. For example, 'She told me the secret' shows a clear path from the speaker to the listener.
Instructional Use: It is frequently used to give orders or guidance. 'The teacher told the students to sit down' illustrates this authoritative yet common usage.

Could you tell me the way to the nearest train station, please?

Beyond mere reporting, 'tell' encompasses the act of discernment. When we say 'I can't tell the difference,' we are not talking about speaking, but about perceiving or recognizing a distinction. This nuance is a higher-level application of the word that evolves from its basic meaning of identifying and relaying facts. In social contexts, 'telling' can also involve a moral component, such as 'telling the truth' versus 'telling a lie.' This makes the word central to discussions about honesty and integrity. Whether you are telling a joke to make someone laugh or telling a story to preserve a memory, the word acts as the vehicle for human connection through shared information.

My grandfather used to tell us amazing stories about his childhood in the countryside.

Reporting Verbs: In reported speech, 'tell' is the go-to verb when the listener is mentioned. 'He told her that he was coming' is more natural than 'He said to her that he was coming.'

Don't tell anyone about the surprise party; it's supposed to be a secret!

I can tell you're tired just by looking at your eyes.

Finally, 'tell' is used in specific fixed expressions like 'tell the time' or 'tell a fortune.' These don't always follow the 'tell someone' rule but are essential for sounding like a native speaker. Understanding 'tell' is not just about learning a verb; it's about mastering the art of sharing the world with others. From the simplest A1 sentences to complex C2 literary descriptions, 'tell' remains a core element of the English language's expressive power.

Mastering the sentence structures for tell requires attention to its grammatical patterns. The most common pattern is [Subject + tell + Person + Information]. This information can be a noun phrase, a 'that' clause, or a 'to-infinitive'. For example, in 'I told him the news,' 'him' is the person and 'the news' is the information. If we use a 'that' clause, it looks like 'I told him that the news was good.' When giving orders, we use the infinitive: 'I told him to wait.' This structure is incredibly consistent and helps learners avoid the common mistake of omitting the listener. Unlike 'say,' you rarely 'tell something' without a recipient unless you are using specific idioms like 'tell the truth.'

The Indirect Object Rule: Always place the person immediately after 'tell'. 'Tell me', 'Tell them', 'Tell Sarah'. Do not use 'to' before the person (e.g., avoid 'tell to me').

She told her boss that she would be late due to the heavy traffic.

Another important usage is in the passive voice, which is common in news reporting or formal contexts. 'I was told that...' is a polite way to introduce information without blaming a specific source. For instance, 'I was told that the meeting was canceled' sounds more professional than 'Someone told me the meeting was canceled.' This shifts the focus from the speaker to the information itself. Additionally, 'tell' is used with 'wh-' words to ask for or provide specific details. 'Tell me where you live' or 'He couldn't tell why he was angry' are perfect examples of how 'tell' integrates with interrogative pronouns to facilitate deeper communication.

Can you tell the difference between these two shades of blue?

Telling Stories: When 'tell' is used with 'story', 'joke', or 'lie', the person receiving the information can sometimes be omitted if the focus is on the act itself. 'He tells great stories.'

The doctor told him to get more exercise and eat more vegetables.

In more advanced usage, 'tell' can be used to indicate certainty or perception. 'I can tell you're happy' or 'You never can tell what might happen' show how the verb moves from literal speaking to the realm of intuition and probability. In these cases, 'tell' functions almost like 'see' or 'know.' This versatility is why 'tell' appears in so many phrasal verbs and idioms. Whether you are 'telling someone off' for a mistake or 'telling things apart' to categorize them, the core structure remains a reliable foundation for building complex sentences. By practicing these patterns, you move from basic vocabulary to nuanced, fluent English expression.

You will hear tell in almost every corner of English-speaking life. In a domestic setting, parents 'tell' their children to go to bed or 'tell' them a bedtime story. In schools, teachers 'tell' students the answers to a quiz or 'tell' them to be quiet. The word is ubiquitous because it manages the flow of information that keeps society functioning. In the workplace, 'tell' is used during briefings, meetings, and performance reviews. 'My manager told me I did a great job' is a sentence every employee hopes to hear. It’s also the primary verb used in news broadcasts: 'The reporter is telling us about the situation on the ground.' This suggests a level of authority and factual reporting that other verbs might lack.

In Pop Culture: Movies and songs are filled with 'tell'. Think of song titles like 'Tell Me Why' or movie lines like 'Tell me the truth!' It adds drama and directness to dialogue.

"I'm telling you, this is the best pizza in the whole city!"

In the digital age, 'tell' has found a new home in user interfaces and social media. Notifications might 'tell' you that you have a new message. Influencers 'tell' their followers about new products or life updates. Even in the world of technology, we 'tell' computers what to do through code. The word has adapted to our modern environment while keeping its core meaning of instruction and information sharing. Furthermore, in legal or official contexts, 'telling' is serious business. To 'tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth' is a standard oath in many English-speaking courts, highlighting the word's connection to honesty and legal testimony.

The clock tells us that it's already past midnight.

Customer Service: You'll often hear 'Tell me how I can help you today' in retail or support settings, inviting the customer to share their needs.

Don't tell me you forgot your keys again!

Lastly, the word is a staple of gossip and storytelling. 'Did you hear what she told him?' is a classic opening for a juicy story. Whether it's a whisper in a hallway or a headline in a tabloid, 'tell' is the engine of narrative. It’s a word that bridges the gap between private thoughts and public knowledge. By paying attention to how people use 'tell' in podcasts, YouTube videos, and daily interactions, you’ll start to see how it shapes the way we understand each other and the world around us.

The most frequent error learners make with tell is confusing it with 'say'. While both involve speaking, their grammatical requirements are different. You 'say something', but you 'tell someone something'. A common mistake is saying 'He told that he was tired.' Correctly, this should be 'He said that he was tired' or 'He told me that he was tired.' Another mistake is adding 'to' after 'tell'. Learners often say 'Tell to me the story,' which is incorrect. The correct form is simply 'Tell me the story.' This directness is a key feature of the verb that takes some time for speakers of other languages to internalize.

The 'Say' vs 'Tell' Trap: Mistake: 'I told to him hello.' Correct: 'I said hello to him' or 'I told him hello' (though 'said hello' is more common).

Incorrect: She told to the class to be quiet. Correct: She told the class to be quiet.

Another area of confusion is using 'tell' when 'speak' or 'talk' would be more appropriate. 'Tell' is about the content of the message, while 'speak' and 'talk' are about the act of using one's voice. You don't 'tell with someone'; you 'talk with someone'. However, you 'tell someone a secret'. Understanding this distinction helps in choosing the right verb for the right context. Additionally, some learners forget that 'tell' is an irregular verb. The past tense and past participle are 'told', not 'telled'. This is a basic but essential rule to remember for fluency.

Incorrect: I told that I would come. Correct: I said that I would come.

Idiomatic Errors: Learners sometimes say 'tell a phone number'. While understandable, it's more natural to say 'give someone a phone number'.

Incorrect: Can you tell me your name? (Acceptable, but 'give' or 'say' is often used in specific contexts).

Finally, the phrase 'tell on someone' is often misused. It specifically means to report someone's bad behavior to an authority figure. It shouldn't be used for simply sharing information about someone. For example, 'I told on my brother for eating the cookies' is correct, but 'I told on my brother that he likes pizza' is not. By being mindful of these common pitfalls—the missing recipient, the unnecessary 'to', and the confusion with 'say'—you will significantly improve your accuracy and sound much more like a native speaker.

While tell is a versatile word, English offers many alternatives that can add precision to your speech. The most obvious comparison is with 'say'. As discussed, 'say' focuses on the words, while 'tell' focuses on the recipient and the information. If you want to sound more formal, you might use 'inform' or 'notify'. For example, 'I informed the staff about the changes' sounds more professional than 'I told the staff about the changes.' These synonyms are particularly useful in business writing or academic contexts where 'tell' might seem too simple or informal.

Tell vs Say: 'Say' is for direct or indirect speech without a listener: "He said 'Hi'". 'Tell' is for relaying information to someone: "He told me 'Hi'".
Inform / Notify: Used for official or formal communication. "We will notify you of the results."

The witness was asked to relate the events of that night to the jury.

Other alternatives include 'narrate' or 'relate' when talking about stories. These words suggest a more detailed or structured way of telling. If you are sharing a secret, you might use 'confide' or 'disclose'. 'She confided her fears to her best friend' carries a much deeper emotional weight than 'She told her best friend her fears.' In the context of discernment, where 'tell' means to recognize a difference, you could use 'distinguish' or 'differentiate'. 'It's hard to distinguish between the two twins' is a more sophisticated way of saying 'It's hard to tell the twins apart.'

Please advise us of any changes to your contact information.

Reveal / Disclose: Used when sharing secrets or surprising information. "The company disclosed its annual earnings."

I'll brief you on the project details during our morning meeting.

Finally, 'brief' is a great alternative in professional settings when you are giving someone a summary of information. 'Let me brief you on the situation' implies a concise and efficient transfer of facts. By learning these synonyms, you don't just replace 'tell'; you expand your ability to convey tone, intent, and level of detail. This variety makes your English sound more natural and adapted to the specific situation you are in, whether it's a casual chat with a friend or a high-stakes business presentation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'tale' and 'tell' are closely related. Originally, telling a story was like 'counting' the events in order.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tel/

US /tɛl/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

bell cell dwell fell hell shell well yell

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'l' too softly so it sounds like 'teh'.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'tall' (/tɔːl/).
Adding an extra syllable like 'tell-uh'.
Not making the 't' aspirated enough at the beginning.
Mumbling the final 'l' in fast speech.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the indirect object rule.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly confused with 'say' in fast speech.

Listening 1/5

Easily understood in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

say speak talk me you him her

Learn Next

inform explain describe report announce

Advanced

divulge recount articulate enunciate discern

Grammar to Know

Reported Speech

Direct: 'I am happy.' Reported: 'He told me he was happy.'

Indirect Objects

You must say 'Tell ME' not 'Tell TO ME'.

Infinitive of Purpose

He told me TO WAIT for him.

Zero Conditional

If you tell a lie, people stop trusting you.

Passive Voice

I was told that the meeting was at 5 PM.

Examples by Level

Tell me your name, please.

Dites-moi votre nom, s'il vous plaît.

Imperative form of 'tell' with 'me' as the indirect object.

Can you tell me the time?

Pouvez-vous me donner l'heure ?

Question using 'can' for ability/request.

Tell him the truth.

Dis-lui la vérité.

Direct object 'the truth' following indirect object 'him'.

She tells good stories.

Elle raconte de bonnes histoires.

Present simple third person singular.

Tell us about your cat.

Parle-nous de ton chat.

Preposition 'about' used to introduce the topic.

Don't tell my secret!

Ne dis pas mon secret !

Negative imperative.

I told my mom everything.

J'ai tout dit à ma mère.

Past simple of 'tell' is 'told'.

Please tell me the way.

S'il vous plaît, indiquez-moi le chemin.

Polite request using 'please'.

He told me that he was tired.

Il m'a dit qu'il était fatigué.

Reported speech with a 'that' clause.

The teacher told us to open our books.

Le professeur nous a dit d'ouvrir nos livres.

Reporting a command using 'tell + object + to-infinitive'.

Can you tell the difference between these two?

Peux-tu voir la différence entre ces deux-là ?

'Tell' meaning to discern or recognize.

I told her to call me later.

Je lui ai dit de m'appeler plus tard.

Past simple reporting a request.

They told us a funny joke.

Ils nous ont raconté une blague drôle.

Double object: 'us' (indirect) and 'a funny joke' (direct).

She didn't tell me where she was going.

Elle ne m'a pas dit où elle allait.

Negative past simple with a 'wh-' clause.

Tell me what you want for dinner.

Dis-moi ce que tu veux pour le dîner.

Imperative with a noun clause object.

I can't tell if it's raining or not.

Je ne peux pas dire s'il pleut ou non.

'Tell' used with 'if' to express uncertainty.

I was told that the flight was delayed.

On m'a dit que le vol était retardé.

Passive voice: 'was told'.

To tell you the truth, I don't really like coffee.

Pour vous dire la vérité, je n'aime pas vraiment le café.

Common idiom used as an introductory phrase.

My parents told me off for coming home late.

Mes parents m'ont grondé pour être rentré tard.

Phrasal verb 'tell off' meaning to scold.

You can tell he's nervous by the way he's shaking.

On peut voir qu'il est nerveux à la façon dont il tremble.

'Tell' meaning to perceive or realize.

Don't tell on me, please!

Ne me dénonce pas, s'il te plaît !

Phrasal verb 'tell on' meaning to report someone's misbehavior.

I could tell something was wrong immediately.

Je pouvais dire que quelque chose n'allait pas immédiatement.

Modal 'could' expressing past ability to perceive.

He told the story with a lot of emotion.

Il a raconté l'histoire avec beaucoup d'émotion.

Using 'tell' with an adverbial phrase for manner.

I'll tell you what—let's go to the park instead.

Je vais vous dire quoi : allons plutôt au parc.

Idiomatic expression 'I'll tell you what' used to make a suggestion.

The stress of the job was beginning to tell on him.

Le stress du travail commençait à se faire sentir sur lui.

Phrasal verb 'tell on' meaning to have a noticeable effect.

Only time will tell if we made the right decision.

Seul le temps nous dira si nous avons pris la bonne décision.

Idiomatic expression about future uncertainty.

I can't tell them apart; they look exactly the same.

Je n'arrive pas à les distinguer ; ils se ressemblent exactement.

Phrasal verb 'tell apart' meaning to distinguish.

He was told in no uncertain terms to leave.

On lui a dit en termes très clairs de partir.

Idiom 'in no uncertain terms' meaning very clearly and firmly.

The data tells a very different story than the one we expected.

Les données racontent une histoire très différente de celle que nous attendions.

Metaphorical use of 'tell' with an inanimate subject.

She has a certain 'tell' when she's bluffing in poker.

Elle a un certain 'signe' quand elle bluffe au poker.

Noun use of 'tell' referring to a revealing habit.

I'm telling you, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Je vous le dis, c'est une occasion unique dans une vie.

Emphatic use of 'I'm telling you'.

He told his tale of woe to anyone who would listen.

Il racontait son histoire de malheur à qui voulait l'entendre.

Collocation 'tale of woe'.

The author tells of a world where technology has failed.

L'auteur parle d'un monde où la technologie a échoué.

'Tell of' used in a literary sense to mean 'recount' or 'describe'.

His weary eyes told of many sleepless nights.

Ses yeux fatigués témoignaient de nombreuses nuits sans sommeil.

Metaphorical use where an object 'tells' of a condition.

It is difficult to tell where the myth ends and history begins.

Il est difficile de dire où finit le mythe et où commence l'histoire.

'Tell' used to mean 'discern' in a complex conceptual context.

The report tells against the theory that the climate is cooling.

Le rapport contredit la théorie selon laquelle le climat se refroidit.

Phrasal verb 'tell against' meaning to provide evidence against.

He was a man who didn't like to kiss and tell.

C'était un homme qui n'aimait pas raconter ses prouesses amoureuses.

Idiom 'kiss and tell' meaning to reveal private romantic details.

Every line on her face told a story of a life well-lived.

Chaque ride sur son visage racontait l'histoire d'une vie bien remplie.

Personification of facial features 'telling' a story.

I could tell at a glance that the painting was a forgery.

Je pouvais dire d'un coup d'œil que le tableau était un faux.

Idiom 'at a glance' combined with 'tell'.

The heavy silence told more than words ever could.

Le lourd silence en disait plus que les mots ne le pourraient jamais.

Abstract subject 'silence' performing the action of 'telling'.

The sheer scale of the disaster is difficult to tell in mere words.

L'ampleur de la catastrophe est difficile à exprimer par de simples mots.

'Tell' used in the sense of 'express' or 'convey' in a formal context.

His accent tells of a childhood spent in the Scottish Highlands.

Son accent témoigne d'une enfance passée dans les Highlands écossais.

Subtle use of 'tell of' to indicate origin or influence.

The evidence tells heavily in favor of the defendant.

Les preuves pèsent lourdement en faveur de l'accusé.

Phrasal verb 'tell in favor of' meaning to support or prove.

Whether the policy will succeed, only the event will tell.

Quant à savoir si la politique réussira, seul l'événement le dira.

Archaic or formal structure using 'the event' as the subject.

She has a way of telling a tale that keeps everyone spellbound.

Elle a une façon de raconter une histoire qui tient tout le monde en haleine.

Using 'telling a tale' for narrative mastery.

The tolling of the bell told the end of an era.

Le son de la cloche annonçait la fin d'une époque.

Using 'tell' to signify an announcement or marking of time.

One can never tell what goes on behind closed doors.

On ne peut jamais savoir ce qui se passe derrière des portes closes.

General pronoun 'one' with 'tell' to express universal uncertainty.

The strain of the investigation began to tell on the lead detective.

La tension de l'enquête a commencé à peser sur l'inspecteur principal.

Using 'tell on' to describe the cumulative effect of stress.

Common Collocations

tell the truth

tell a lie

tell a story

tell the time

tell a joke

tell a secret

tell the difference

tell someone off

tell fortunes

tell someone's name

Common Phrases

to tell you the truth

— Used to introduce an honest or perhaps surprising statement.

To tell you the truth, I didn't enjoy the movie.

you never can tell

— Used to say that it is impossible to know what will happen.

He might win the lottery; you never can tell.

I'll tell you what

— Used to make a suggestion or a deal.

I'll tell you what—if you wash the car, I'll cook dinner.

tell me about it

— Used to show that you strongly agree because you have had the same experience.

A: 'The traffic was terrible.' B: 'Tell me about it!'

only time will tell

— Used to say that the result of something will only be known in the future.

Only time will tell if the new law works.

tell it like it is

— To speak the truth about a situation even if it is unpleasant.

She's not afraid to tell it like it is.

I told you so

— Used to remind someone that you warned them about something that has now happened.

I told you so! I knew it would rain.

tell someone where to go

— To tell someone in a very rude way to leave or stop bothering you.

He was so annoying that I finally told him where to go.

tell tales

— To tell someone in authority about something bad that another person has done.

Stop telling tales about your sister!

show and tell

— A common school activity where children show an object and talk about it.

It's my turn for show and tell tomorrow.

Often Confused With

tell vs say

Say focuses on words; tell focuses on the recipient and information.

tell vs speak

Speak focuses on the physical act or language; tell focuses on the message.

tell vs talk

Talk implies a two-way conversation; tell is often one-way information sharing.

Idioms & Expressions

"kiss and tell"

— To reveal private information about a romantic relationship.

He's not the type of person to kiss and tell.

informal

"tell its own tale"

— When something is so obvious that it doesn't need an explanation.

The empty bottles on the floor told their own tale.

literary

"tell a different story"

— When evidence suggests something different from what was previously thought.

The witness said he was home, but the CCTV tells a different story.

neutral

"you can't tell a book by its cover"

— You shouldn't judge someone or something based only on appearance.

He looks mean, but he's very kind. You can't tell a book by its cover.

neutral

"tell someone a thing or two"

— To give someone a lot of information or to scold them.

I'm going to tell him a thing or two about his behavior.

informal

"blood will tell"

— A person's family background or true character will eventually be revealed.

He tried to hide his origins, but blood will tell.

old-fashioned

"tell tales out of school"

— To reveal secrets or private information about a group or organization.

I shouldn't tell tales out of school, but the company is in trouble.

informal

"every picture tells a story"

— A visual image can convey a lot of information or emotion.

Looking at these old photos, you realize every picture tells a story.

neutral

"tell a lie and stick to it"

— To continue saying something false even when challenged.

He decided to tell a lie and stick to it, hoping no one would find out.

informal

"tell the world"

— To share information with as many people as possible.

I'm so happy I want to tell the world!

neutral

Easily Confused

tell vs say

Both involve speaking.

You say something, but you tell someone something.

He said 'Hello'. He told me 'Hello'.

tell vs speak

Both involve using the voice.

Speak is about the ability or the language. Tell is about the content.

I speak English. I told him a story in English.

tell vs talk

Both involve communication.

Talk is interactive. Tell is informative.

We talked for hours. He told me about his life.

tell vs inform

Both mean giving information.

Inform is formal and professional. Tell is neutral and common.

Please inform the manager. Tell your friend.

tell vs explain

Both involve making something known.

Explain focuses on the 'how' or 'why'. Tell focuses on the 'what'.

Explain how it works. Tell me what happened.

Sentence Patterns

Tell + me + [noun]

Tell me your phone number.

Tell + [person] + that + [clause]

Tell him that I am coming.

Tell + [person] + to + [verb]

Tell her to call me.

Tell + [person] + about + [noun]

Tell us about your trip.

Can tell + [clause]

I can tell you are happy.

Tell + [person] + apart

I can't tell the twins apart.

Tell + of + [noun]

The book tells of ancient wars.

Tell + heavily + in favor/against

The evidence tells in favor of the theory.

Word Family

Nouns

teller

telling

telltale

Verbs

tell

retell

foretell

Adjectives

telling

untold

tellable

talk

tale

tally

toll

token

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; one of the top 100 most common verbs in English.

Common Mistakes

He told to me the secret. → He told me the secret.
We don't use 'to' after 'tell' before the person.
She told that she was busy. → She said that she was busy.
If there is no listener mentioned, use 'say' instead of 'tell'.
I telled him the news. → I told him the news.
The past tense of 'tell' is 'told', not 'telled'.
Can you tell me the way to the station? → Can you tell me the way to the station?
This is actually correct, but people often forget the 'me'.
I told him for being late. → I told him off for being late.
To scold someone, you must use the phrasal verb 'tell off'.

Tips

The Listener Rule

Always try to put a person after 'tell'. It's the easiest way to avoid mistakes.

Fixed Phrases

Memorize 'tell the truth', 'tell a lie', and 'tell the time' as single units.

Natural Flow

Use 'Tell me...' to keep a conversation going when you want more details.

Reported Speech

Use 'told' for reporting commands: 'He told me to go'.

Catch the 'd'

In fast speech, 'told me' sounds like 'tol-me'. Listen for that 'l' sound.

Truthfulness

Use 'To tell you the truth' to sound more sincere in English.

Perception

Remember that 'I can tell' means 'I can see/know'.

Politeness

'I was told' is a great way to introduce news without sounding bossy.

No 'To'

Never say 'tell to him'. Just say 'tell him'.

Discernment

Use 'tell apart' when comparing two very similar things.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

To TELL is to TALK to someone and SELL them an idea or story. (T-E-L-L: Talk, Explain, Listen, Learn).

Visual Association

Imagine a bank TELLER counting money and TELLING you how much is in your account.

Word Web

story secret truth lie joke time difference news

Challenge

Try to use 'tell' in three different ways today: tell a joke, tell the time, and tell someone a fact.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'tellan', which meant to count, reckon, or relate.

Original meaning: The primary meaning was 'to count' or 'to calculate', which survives in the word 'bank teller'.

Germanic, related to Dutch 'tellen' and German 'zählen'.

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'tell on someone' as it can imply being a 'snitch' or 'tattletale' in informal settings.

Directness is often valued, so 'telling it like it is' is frequently seen as a positive trait in American culture.

'Tell-Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe 'Tell Me Why' by The Beatles The game 'Show and Tell' in elementary schools.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

Tell me a story
Tell the truth
Don't tell your father
Tell me about your day

At School

Tell the teacher
Tell the answer
Don't tell on your friends
Tell the time

At Work

Tell me the status
Tell the boss
I was told that...
Tell the difference

In a Restaurant

Tell me the specials
Tell the waiter
Can you tell if it's spicy?
Tell me the price

Traveling

Tell me the way
Tell me the time
Tell the driver
Can you tell where we are?

Conversation Starters

"Can you tell me about your favorite childhood memory?"

"Tell me, what is the best book you have ever read?"

"Could you tell me how to get to the city center from here?"

"Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision."

"Can you tell the difference between British and American accents?"

Journal Prompts

Tell the story of your most adventurous day this year in detail.

Write about a time someone told you a secret and how you kept it.

Tell yourself three things you want to achieve in the next month.

Describe a situation where it was difficult to tell the truth.

If you could tell your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'tell' is followed directly by the person. You should say 'Tell me'.

The past tense is 'told'. It is an irregular verb.

Use 'say' when you don't mention the listener. 'He said he was happy.' Use 'tell' when you do. 'He told me he was happy.'

Yes, in phrases like 'I can tell you're sad,' it means to perceive or recognize.

Yes, 'tell a lie' and 'tell the truth' are standard fixed expressions.

It means to speak angrily to someone because they did something wrong.

Yes, 'tell a story' is one of the most common uses of the word.

A person who works at a bank and handles money. The name comes from the old meaning of 'tell' (to count).

Use 'be told'. For example, 'I was told to wait here.'

Usually, yes. You need to tell *someone* or tell *the truth/a story*.