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A1 verb #16 most common 14 min read

to tell

Top 16

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips to tell in 30 Seconds

Explanation to tell in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'to tell' is used for very basic communication of facts and simple instructions. Learners focus on the most common pattern: 'Tell me [something].' It is used to share personal information, like telling someone your name, your age, or where you live. At this stage, it's crucial to learn that 'tell' is followed directly by the person (me, you, him, her, us, them). You also learn the fixed phrase 'tell the truth' and 'tell a story.' The goal is to use 'tell' to facilitate basic social interactions and follow simple classroom instructions, such as 'Tell your partner about your family.' It's one of the first verbs learned for reporting what others say in a very simple way.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use the past tense 'told' frequently. They use it to recount simple past events and to report what people said previously. The focus expands to giving and following more complex instructions, such as 'She told me to go to the store.' Learners start to distinguish between 'tell' and 'say' more consistently, though mistakes still occur. They also learn to use 'tell' with 'about,' as in 'Tell me about your holiday.' This allows for more descriptive communication. A2 learners also begin to recognize 'tell' in the context of 'telling the time' and 'telling the difference' between two distinct objects or colors.

At the B1 level, 'to tell' becomes a key tool for reported speech. Learners master the transition from direct speech to reported speech using 'tell' (e.g., 'He told me that he was tired'). They understand the need for backshifting tenses. The use of 'tell' for giving advice or warnings becomes more common ('I told you not to touch that'). Learners also start using 'tell' in more idiomatic ways, such as 'to tell you the truth' or 'you never can tell.' They can use 'tell' to narrate longer stories with a clear sequence of events. The distinction between 'tell,' 'say,' 'speak,' and 'talk' becomes much clearer and more natural in their speech and writing.

At the B2 level, 'to tell' is used with greater nuance and in more formal contexts. Learners use it to describe complex social situations, such as 'telling someone off' (scolding them) or 'telling on someone' (reporting a misdeed). They understand the subtle difference between 'telling a story' and 'recounting an experience.' B2 learners are comfortable using 'tell' in the passive voice ('I was told that...') and in complex sentence structures involving multiple clauses. They also start to use 'tell' to mean 'to discern' in more abstract ways, such as 'telling the difference between two competing theories.' Their use of collocations like 'tell a lie' or 'tell a secret' is automatic and accurate.

At the C1 level, 'to tell' is used with precision and stylistic variety. Learners can use it to convey subtle meanings, such as using 'tell' to imply a certain level of authority or expertise ('Let me tell you, this is not an easy task'). They are familiar with literary and formal uses of 'tell,' such as 'the clock told the hour' or 'his face told a story of hardship.' C1 learners can use 'tell' in sophisticated idiomatic expressions like 'tell its own tale' or 'all told' (meaning in total). They can also use 'tell' to discuss the reliability of information, distinguishing between what someone 'tells' and what is actually true. Their mastery of the verb allows them to use it effortlessly in both high-level academic writing and nuanced social conversation.

At the C2 level, 'to tell' is used with complete mastery of its most subtle and metaphorical applications. The speaker can use 'tell' to describe how physical evidence reveals a deeper truth, such as 'the rings of the tree tell its age' or 'her eyes told of a deep-seated sorrow.' They are comfortable with the most obscure idioms and can use 'tell' to create specific rhetorical effects. C2 learners understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which informs their use of it in formal or poetic contexts. They can effortlessly navigate the complex relationship between 'telling,' 'showing,' and 'narrating' in professional writing and creative storytelling. For a C2 speaker, 'tell' is a highly flexible tool used to navigate the finest nuances of human thought and expression.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

to tell in 30 Seconds

To tell is a primary verb for sharing information, stories, or instructions with a specific person, usually requiring a direct recipient in the sentence structure.
It is an irregular verb with the past form 'told', and it is distinct from 'say' because it focuses more on the recipient of the message.
Common uses include telling the truth, telling a lie, telling a story, and telling the time, as well as giving direct orders to someone.
It can also mean to recognize or discern differences, such as being able to tell two similar people or objects apart based on evidence.

The verb to tell is one of the most fundamental pillars of human communication. At its core, it represents the act of transferring information, narratives, or instructions from one person to another. Unlike other communication verbs, 'tell' is inherently social; it almost always requires a recipient—someone to listen. When you tell, you are not just producing sounds; you are ensuring that a specific piece of knowledge or a sequence of events reaches another mind. This word is the engine of storytelling, the vehicle for sharing secrets, and the primary tool for giving directions. In daily life, we use it from the moment we wake up until we go to sleep, whether we are telling a friend about a dream, telling a colleague about a project update, or telling a child a bedtime story. It bridges the gap between internal thought and external shared reality.

Information Transfer: The primary function is to convey facts or news. For example, you might tell someone the time or tell them that the bus is late. It focuses on the content being delivered to a specific person.

Please tell me your name so I can write it down on the form.

Beyond simple facts, 'tell' is the standard verb for narration. When we recount the plot of a movie or the events of our weekend, we are 'telling a story.' This usage implies a sequence of events and a certain level of detail. It is also deeply connected to honesty and revelation. We 'tell the truth' or 'tell a lie,' and we 'tell secrets.' In these contexts, the verb carries a moral weight, as it involves the disclosure of something that was previously hidden or the deliberate manipulation of shared information. It is also used for discernment—the ability to recognize or distinguish between things, such as being able to 'tell the difference' between two similar items.

Instructional Use: We use 'tell' to give orders or strong advice. When a teacher tells a student to sit down, it is an instruction that expects action. It is more direct than 'ask' but less formal than 'command'.

My mother always told us to wash our hands before dinner.

Furthermore, 'tell' is used in various idiomatic ways that describe the limits of knowledge. For instance, 'you never can tell' suggests that the future is unpredictable, while 'to tell you the truth' is a common conversational filler used to introduce a sincere or perhaps surprising opinion. The verb's versatility is also seen in its ability to describe the passage of time, as in 'telling the time' by looking at a clock. This diverse range of applications makes it an indispensable tool for any English speaker, as it covers everything from the most mundane logistical updates to the deepest emotional disclosures.

I can tell you are tired because you are yawning a lot.

Recognition and Discernment: Using 'tell' to mean 'to know' or 'to recognize' based on evidence. For example, 'I can tell it's going to rain' means I see clouds and conclude rain is coming.

It is hard to tell the twins apart because they look exactly the same.

Don't tell anyone, but I'm planning a surprise party for Sarah.

Using 'to tell' correctly requires an understanding of its unique grammatical structure compared to other verbs of communication. The most important rule to remember is that 'tell' almost always takes an indirect object—the person being spoken to—without the preposition 'to'. You say 'tell me,' not 'tell to me.' This is a very common error for learners who are used to the verb 'say,' which *does* require 'to' (e.g., 'say to me'). When you use 'tell,' the recipient is the immediate focus. This direct connection between the speaker and the listener makes 'tell' feel more personal and targeted than 'say' or 'speak.'

The Direct Object Pattern: Structure: [Subject] + tell + [Person] + [Information]. Example: 'He told his boss the news.' Here, 'his boss' is the person and 'the news' is the information.

Can you tell us a story about your travels in Asia?

Another common pattern involves using 'tell' with an infinitive to give instructions or orders. This is structured as [Subject] + tell + [Person] + to + [Verb]. For instance, 'She told him to wait outside.' This is a very efficient way to report what someone was directed to do. It's important to note that 'tell' is an irregular verb. Its past tense and past participle form is 'told.' This form is used in the simple past ('I told him yesterday') and in all perfect tenses ('I have already told her'). Mastery of 'told' is essential because we spend a significant amount of time reporting past conversations.

Reporting Questions: Structure: [Subject] + tell + [Person] + [Wh- word] + [Clause]. Example: 'Tell me where you live.' This is used to request information indirectly.

Nobody told me that the meeting was canceled.

'Tell' is also used with 'that' clauses to report facts. For example, 'He told me that he was moving to London.' In informal English, the word 'that' is often omitted: 'He told me he was moving to London.' This flexibility allows for both formal reporting and casual conversation. Furthermore, 'tell' is used in specific fixed expressions where no person is mentioned, such as 'tell the truth,' 'tell a lie,' and 'tell the time.' In these cases, the information itself is so standard that the recipient is implied or secondary to the act of stating the information correctly.

I told myself that everything would be okay in the end.

The Passive Voice: Structure: [Person] + was/were told + [Information]. Example: 'I was told to arrive at 8:00 AM.' This is very common when the speaker doesn't know or doesn't want to say who gave the information.

The children were told to stay in their seats during the performance.

Could you tell me how to get to the nearest train station?

The word 'tell' is ubiquitous, appearing in almost every conceivable context of human interaction. In the domestic sphere, it is the language of family bonding and discipline. Parents tell their children stories to spark their imagination, and they tell them to do their homework to instill responsibility. In these settings, 'tell' carries a tone of intimacy or authority. You'll hear it in the kitchen ('Tell me what you want for dinner'), in the living room ('Tell me about your day'), and at the front door ('Tell your father I'll be home late'). It is the primary verb for maintaining the flow of information within a household.

In Professional Environments: In the workplace, 'tell' is used for reporting and delegating. Managers tell employees about new policies, and team members tell each other about their progress. It is often found in emails: 'I am writing to tell you that the project is complete.'

The CEO told the shareholders that profits had increased by ten percent.

In the media and journalism, 'tell' is a keyword for reporting. News anchors 'tell the news,' and investigative journalists 'tell the story' behind a major event. It implies a narrative structure and the presentation of facts to an audience. Similarly, in the world of entertainment, 'tell' is central to the craft of songwriting and screenwriting. Countless songs feature the word in their titles or lyrics, often focusing on the emotional difficulty of sharing feelings ('Tell me why,' 'Tell him I love him'). In movies, characters 'tell all' during climactic scenes, revealing secrets that change the course of the plot.

In Legal and Formal Contexts: In a courtroom, witnesses are sworn to 'tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.' Here, the word 'tell' is linked to legal obligation and the integrity of the justice system.

The witness was asked to tell the court exactly what she saw on the night of the crime.

In everyday public life, you'll hear 'tell' in service interactions. A customer might tell a waiter their order, or a traveler might tell a ticket agent their destination. It is also common in educational settings, where teachers tell students which pages to read or tell them the answers to a quiz. Even in the digital world, we 'tell' our devices what to do through voice commands ('Tell me the weather,' 'Tell me a joke'). The word is so deeply embedded in our social fabric that it is almost impossible to go through a day without hearing it or using it multiple times.

My phone can tell me how many steps I have walked today.

In Social Gossip: Informally, 'tell' is the engine of gossip. Phrases like 'Did you hear what she told him?' or 'Don't tell me you actually believe that!' are staples of social interaction and rumor-sharing.

I'm not supposed to tell you this, but they are getting married next month!

The doctor told him to get more exercise and eat less sugar.

One of the most frequent mistakes English learners make is confusing 'tell' with 'say.' While both verbs involve communication, they are used in different grammatical structures. The most common error is using 'to' before the person with 'tell.' For example, saying 'He told to me' instead of 'He told me.' This happens because 'say' *does* require 'to' ('He said to me'). To avoid this, remember that 'tell' is more direct; it 'grabs' the person immediately. Another common error is using 'tell' without a recipient when one is needed. You can 'say hello,' but you cannot 'tell hello.' You must 'tell *someone* hello' (though 'say hello to someone' is more common).

Tell vs. Say: Mistake: 'She told that she was tired.' Correct: 'She said that she was tired' OR 'She told me that she was tired.' Rule: 'Tell' needs a person; 'Say' focuses on the words.

Wrong: He told to the teacher the answer. Right: He told the teacher the answer.

Another area of confusion is the use of 'tell' for giving orders versus 'ask.' Learners often use 'tell' when they should use 'ask' for a polite request. 'I told him to open the window' sounds like a command. If you want to be polite, you should say 'I asked him to open the window.' Using 'tell' in the wrong social context can make you sound bossy or rude. Additionally, the irregular past tense 'told' is sometimes forgotten, with learners saying 'telled.' This is a classic regularization error that should be corrected early on. 'Told' is the only correct past form.

Confusion with 'Speak' and 'Talk': Mistake: 'Can you tell English?' Correct: 'Can you speak English?' Rule: 'Speak' is used for languages; 'Tell' is for information or stories.

Wrong: I told with my friend for an hour. Right: I talked with my friend for an hour.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with fixed expressions. For example, they might say 'say the truth' instead of 'tell the truth.' While 'say the truth' might be understood, 'tell the truth' is the standard collocation. Similarly, 'tell the time' is a fixed phrase; you don't 'say the time' or 'speak the time' when looking at a clock. Misusing these collocations doesn't always break the grammar, but it makes the speaker sound less natural. Paying attention to these specific pairings—truth, lies, stories, time, secrets—will significantly improve your fluency and make you sound more like a native speaker.

Wrong: She said a lie to her parents. Right: She told a lie to her parents (or She told her parents a lie).

Reporting Verbs and Tense: Mistake: 'He told me he is coming tomorrow' (when the reporting happened in the past). Correct: 'He told me he was coming the next day.' Remember to shift tenses back in reported speech.

Wrong: They telled us the movie was great. Right: They told us the movie was great.

Don't tell me what to do! (Commonly used when someone is being too bossy).

While 'tell' is a versatile and common verb, English offers many alternatives that can provide more precision or a different tone depending on the context. The most frequent comparisons are with 'say,' 'speak,' and 'talk.' As discussed, 'say' focuses on the words themselves, while 'tell' focuses on the information and the recipient. 'Speak' is more formal and often refers to the physical act of using one's voice or the ability to use a language. 'Talk' suggests a two-way conversation or a more casual exchange. Choosing between these four verbs is a key step in moving from basic to intermediate English proficiency.

Inform vs. Notify: These are more formal alternatives to 'tell.' You 'inform' someone of a fact in a professional setting. You 'notify' someone of an official change or event. Example: 'We regret to inform you...'

The company informed the staff about the upcoming holiday schedule.

For storytelling, you might use 'narrate,' 'recount,' or 'relate.' 'Narrate' is often used for the act of providing a spoken commentary for a film or book. 'Recount' implies a detailed telling of a past experience, often with a sense of memory and reflection. 'Relate' is a more formal way of telling a story or connecting facts. In the context of secrets or hidden information, 'reveal,' 'disclose,' or 'divulge' are powerful alternatives. 'Reveal' suggests uncovering something hidden, 'disclose' is often used in legal or business contexts (like disclosing financial information), and 'divulge' often implies sharing something private or sensitive.

Instruct vs. Order: When 'tell' is used for commands, 'instruct' is a clearer alternative for teaching or guidance, while 'order' or 'command' is used for strict, authoritative situations.

The sergeant ordered the soldiers to march toward the bridge.

In terms of discerning or recognizing, 'distinguish' or 'differentiate' are more sophisticated than 'tell the difference.' For example, 'It's hard to distinguish between the two types of wine.' Using these words can elevate your academic or professional writing. If you are 'telling' someone about a problem, you might 'report' it or 'flag' it. 'Report' is standard for official issues, while 'flag' is a common modern idiom in business for bringing attention to something. By expanding your vocabulary beyond 'tell,' you can convey not just the action of communicating, but also the tone, formality, and specific intent of the message.

He recounted the events of the accident with great detail and emotion.

Brief vs. Update: In business, you don't just 'tell' someone about a project; you 'brief' them (give them necessary initial info) or 'update' them (give them the latest info).

The manager briefed the team on the new client's specific requirements.

The scientist revealed the results of the long-term study at the conference.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"I wish to tell you of my decision to resign."

Neutral

"He told me the meeting was at five."

Informal

"Tell me, what's the gossip?"

Child friendly

"Can you tell me a story about a dragon?"

Slang

"Don't tell me you're ghosting him!"

Fun Fact

The reason a person at a bank is called a 'teller' is because the original meaning of 'tell' was 'to count'. They are literally the 'counters' of the money. This is also why we say 'all told' when we mean 'everything counted up'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tel/

US /tɛl/

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

Rhymes With

bell cell dwell fell hell sell shell well yell

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'e' like an 'a' (sounding like 'tall').
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end (sounding like 'tell-uh').
Confusing the 'l' sound with an 'r' sound in some languages.
Not making the 't' sound crisp and clear at the beginning.
Shortening the vowel too much so it sounds like 'till'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is very common and usually easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

The irregular past tense 'told' and the lack of 'to' after the verb can be tricky.

Speaking 2/5

Learners often confuse it with 'say' during fast-paced conversation.

Listening 1/5

It is a short, distinct word that is easy to hear in most accents.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

say speak talk me you

Learn Next

inform explain report describe order

Advanced

narrate disclose divulge recount articulate

Grammar to Know

Reported Speech Tense Shift

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

Indirect Objects with Tell

Correct: 'Tell me.' Incorrect: 'Tell to me.'

Imperative for Instructions

Tell him to sit down.

Passive Voice with Reporting Verbs

I was told that the flight was delayed.

Zero Conditional with Tell

If you tell a lie, people stop trusting you.

Examples by Level

Can you tell me your name?

Pouvez-vous me dire votre nom ?

Direct object 'me' follows 'tell'.

Tell me a story, please.

Raconte-moi une histoire, s'il te plaît.

Imperative form used for a request.

I tell the truth.

Je dis la vérité.

Fixed collocation: tell the truth.

He tells me everything.

Il me dit tout.

Third person singular 'tells'.

Please tell us about your cat.

S'il vous plaît, parlez-nous de votre chat.

Using 'tell about' for descriptions.

They tell me the time.

Ils me disent l'heure.

Fixed collocation: tell the time.

Tell him hello from me.

Dis-lui bonjour de ma part.

Using 'tell' to pass on a greeting.

Don't tell a lie.

Ne dis pas de mensonge.

Negative imperative.

She told me she was hungry.

Elle m'a dit qu'elle avait faim.

Past tense 'told' used for reported speech.

I told him to wait here.

Je lui ai dit d'attendre ici.

Tell + person + to + verb (instruction).

Did you tell her the news?

Lui as-tu dit la nouvelle ?

Question form in simple past.

He told a funny joke yesterday.

Il a raconté une blague drôle hier.

Collocation: tell a joke.

We were told to be quiet.

On nous a dit de nous taire.

Passive voice: were told.

Can you tell the difference between these two?

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

Tell meaning 'to discern'.

I told my parents about the party.

J'ai parlé de la fête à mes parents.

Told + person + about + something.

Nobody told me it was your birthday!

Personne ne m'a dit que c'était ton anniversaire !

Negative subject 'nobody'.

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

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

Introductory idiomatic phrase.

I could tell he was lying by his eyes.

Je pouvais dire qu'il mentait à ses yeux.

Could tell = was able to recognize.

She told me where I could find the keys.

Elle m'a dit où je pouvais trouver les clés.

Reporting a Wh- question.

You never can tell what will happen next.

On ne peut jamais savoir ce qui va se passer ensuite.

Idiom meaning 'it's unpredictable'.

He was told off for being late again.

Il s'est fait réprimander pour être encore en retard.

Phrasal verb: tell off (to scold).

I've been told that the movie is excellent.

On m'a dit que le film est excellent.

Present perfect passive.

Tell me, what do you think of the new plan?

Dis-moi, que penses-tu du nouveau plan ?

Using 'Tell me' as a conversation starter.

I can't tell you how happy I am.

Je ne peux pas vous dire à quel point je suis heureux.

Expression used for emphasis.

The evidence tells a very different story.

Les preuves racontent une histoire très différente.

Metaphorical use where 'evidence' is the subject.

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

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

Using 'I'm telling you' for strong emphasis.

It's hard to tell them apart without their glasses.

Il est difficile de les distinguer sans leurs lunettes.

Phrasal verb: tell apart (to distinguish).

He told on his brother for breaking the vase.

Il a dénoncé son frère pour avoir cassé le vase.

Phrasal verb: tell on (to tattle).

Time will tell if we made the right decision.

L'avenir nous dira si nous avons pris la bonne décision.

Personification of 'Time'.

I was never told about the changes to the contract.

On ne m'a jamais informé des changements au contrat.

Past passive with 'never'.

You can tell a lot about a person by their bookshelf.

On peut en dire long sur une personne par sa bibliothèque.

Tell = infer or learn.

Don't tell me you've forgotten already!

Ne me dis pas que tu as déjà oublié !

Idiomatic expression of disbelief.

His weary expression told of many sleepless nights.

Son expression lasse témoignait de nombreuses nuits sans sommeil.

Literary use: tell of (to reveal or indicate).

There were fifty people there, all told.

Il y avait cinquante personnes là-bas, tout compte fait.

Idiom: all told (in total).

The strain was beginning to tell on her health.

La tension commençait à se faire sentir sur sa santé.

Phrasal verb: tell on (to have a visible effect).

I can tell you for a fact that the project is over budget.

Je peux vous affirmer avec certitude que le projet dépasse le budget.

Tell for a fact = to state with certainty.

She has a certain 'something' about her, though I can't quite tell what it is.

Elle a un certain 'quelque chose', bien que je ne puisse pas tout à fait dire ce que c'est.

Using 'tell' for subtle discernment.

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

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

Phrasal verb: tell against (to be evidence against).

Only time will tell the true extent of the damage.

Seul le temps nous dira la véritable étendue des dégâts.

Formal personification of 'Time'.

He told his beads with a rhythmic, hypnotic devotion.

Il égrenait son chapelet avec une dévotion rythmique et hypnotique.

Archaic/Specific: tell beads (to count/pray).

The architecture of the city tells of a grand and turbulent past.

L'architecture de la ville témoigne d'un passé grandiose et turbulent.

Sophisticated use of 'tell of' for historical narrative.

Every line on his weathered face told a tale of endurance.

Chaque ride sur son visage buriné racontait une histoire d'endurance.

Metaphorical storytelling through physical features.

The sheer scale of the disaster is, quite frankly, beyond telling.

L'ampleur du désastre est, très franchement, indescriptible.

Beyond telling = impossible to describe.

His silence told more than any words could have conveyed.

Son silence en disait plus que n'importe quel mot n'aurait pu le faire.

The absence of speech as a form of 'telling'.

The results of the election tell of a deep divide in the national psyche.

Les résultats de l'élection témoignent d'une profonde fracture dans la psyché nationale.

Using 'tell of' for sociological analysis.

Whether the policy will succeed is anyone's guess; only the future will tell.

Quant à savoir si la politique réussira, personne ne le sait ; seul l'avenir nous le dira.

C2 level use of 'only the future will tell' in complex discourse.

The teller of the tale paused for dramatic effect, eyes gleaming in the firelight.

Le conteur fit une pause pour l'effet dramatique, les yeux brillant à la lueur du feu.

Noun form 'teller' in a literary context.

The data tells us that the trend is accelerating, despite our efforts to curb it.

Les données nous indiquent que la tendance s'accélère, malgré nos efforts pour la freiner.

Formal use of 'tell' in scientific/analytical reporting.

Common Collocations

tell the truth

tell a lie

tell a story

tell the time

tell a secret

tell the difference

tell a joke

tell fortunes

tell tales

tell the future

Common Phrases

to tell you the truth

— Used to introduce a sincere or honest opinion, often one that might be surprising.

To tell you the truth, I've never seen that movie.

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 was going to rain.

you never can tell

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

He might win the race; you never can tell.

tell me about it

— An informal way to say you strongly agree with someone because you have had the same experience.

A: 'This work is so boring.' B: 'Tell me about it!'

only time will tell

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

Will the new law work? Only time will tell.

as far as I can tell

— Used to give an opinion based on the information you currently have.

As far as I can tell, the car is in good condition.

tell it like it is

— To describe a situation honestly, even if the truth is unpleasant.

She's a tough boss who always tells it like it is.

don't tell me

— Used to express surprise or disbelief about something you suspect is true.

Don't tell me you've lost your keys again!

tell me another one

— An informal way to say you don't believe what someone has just told you.

You won the lottery? Tell me another one!

all told

— Used to indicate the total number or amount of something.

There were twenty guests, all told.

Often Confused With

to tell vs say

'Say' focuses on the words; 'tell' focuses on the person and the information.

to tell vs speak

'Speak' refers to the physical act or a language; 'tell' refers to the content.

to tell vs talk

'Talk' implies a conversation; 'tell' is often a one-way transfer of info.

Idioms & Expressions

"kiss and tell"

— To reveal private details about a romantic relationship to other people.

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

informal

"show and tell"

— A classroom activity where children show an object and tell the class about it.

My son took his new toy to school for show and tell.

child-friendly

"tell its own tale"

— When the facts of a situation are so clear that they don't need further explanation.

The empty shelves told their own tale of the store's failure.

literary

"tell a different story"

— When evidence or facts contradict what has been said or expected.

He says he's happy, but his face tells a different story.

neutral

"live to tell the tale"

— To survive a dangerous or difficult experience so that you can talk about it later.

It was a terrible crash, but luckily everyone lived to tell the tale.

neutral

"tell tales out of school"

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

I shouldn't tell tales out of school, but the manager is planning to quit.

informal

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

— You should not judge someone or something based only on outward appearance.

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

neutral

"tell someone where to get off"

— To speak angrily to someone because they have been rude or annoying.

When he insulted her work, she finally told him where to get off.

informal

"blood will tell"

— The idea that a person's family background or heredity will eventually show in their character.

He is as brave as his father; blood will tell.

literary/old-fashioned

"tell the world"

— To make something known to everyone; to be very public about something.

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

neutral

Easily Confused

to tell vs say

Both mean to communicate with words.

You 'say' something, but you 'tell' someone something. 'Say' doesn't need a person immediately after it, but 'tell' almost always does.

He said 'Hello'. He told me his name.

to tell vs speak

Both involve using the voice.

'Speak' is used for languages or formal speeches. 'Tell' is used for specific information or stories.

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

to tell vs talk

Both involve verbal exchange.

'Talk' is usually a two-way process. 'Tell' is usually one person giving information to another.

We talked for hours. He told me about his new job.

to tell vs inform

Both mean to give information.

'Inform' is much more formal and used in professional or official contexts. 'Tell' is neutral and common.

I told my friend. The company informed the customers.

to tell vs recount

Both mean to tell a story.

'Recount' is more formal and implies a detailed, chronological telling of past events.

He recounted the history of the building.

Sentence Patterns

Tell me + [Noun]

Tell me your name.

Subject + told + person + to + [Verb]

He told me to go.

Subject + told + person + that + [Clause]

She told me that she was happy.

It's hard to tell + [Noun] + apart

It's hard to tell the twins apart.

Subject + told + of + [Noun]

The ruins told of a lost city.

Only time will tell + [Wh- Clause]

Only time will tell how this ends.

Tell + [Person] + about + [Noun]

Tell us about your dog.

I can tell + [Clause]

I can tell you are tired.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; ranked within the top 100 most common English words.

Common Mistakes

He told to me the secret. → He told me the secret.
The verb 'tell' does not take the preposition 'to' before the indirect object (the person).
She told that she was tired. → She said that she was tired. (OR: She told me that she was tired.)
'Tell' requires a person as an object. If you don't want to mention a person, use 'say'.
I can't tell the difference of these two. → I can't tell the difference between these two.
The standard preposition to use with 'tell the difference' is 'between'.
They telled us a funny story. → They told us a funny story.
'Tell' is an irregular verb. The past tense is 'told', not 'telled'.
Can you tell English? → Can you speak English?
We use 'speak' for languages, not 'tell'.

Tips

The 'No To' Rule

Never put 'to' between 'tell' and the person. It's 'tell me', not 'tell to me'. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Storytelling

Use 'tell' for narratives. You 'tell a story', 'tell a joke', or 'tell a tale'. It implies a sequence of events.

Honesty Phrases

Always use 'tell' with 'truth' and 'lie'. 'Tell the truth' and 'tell a lie' are fixed pairs that you should memorize together.

Softening Commands

If you use 'tell' to give an order, it can sound strong. Use 'ask' if you want to be more polite. 'I asked him to help' is nicer than 'I told him to help'.

Listen for 'Told'

Since 'tell' is irregular, you will hear 'told' very often. Practice recognizing it as the past form of 'tell' in stories and news.

Reported Speech

When writing what someone said, 'tell' is great for reporting facts. 'He told me that the office was closed.' Don't forget the tense shift!

Tell as 'Know'

Remember that 'tell' can mean 'to know from looking'. 'I can tell you're happy' means 'I can see that you are happy'.

Time Telling

We always use 'tell' for clocks. 'Can you tell the time?' is the standard way to ask if someone can read a clock.

Sharing Secrets

We 'tell secrets'. If you want someone to keep a secret, say 'Don't tell anyone!' This is a very common social phrase.

Say vs Tell

If you aren't sure, check for a person. Person present? Use 'tell'. No person? Use 'say'. (e.g., Tell *me* vs Say *hello*).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Teller' at a bank. They 'tell' (count) the money and then 'tell' (inform) you how much you have. Both meanings come from the same root of organizing and sharing information.

Visual Association

Imagine a person pointing at a map and explaining the route to a friend. The act of pointing and sharing the 'way' is the essence of 'telling' someone something.

Word Web

story truth lie secret time joke news information

Challenge

Try to use 'tell' in three different ways today: tell someone the time, tell a friend a short story about your morning, and tell yourself a positive thought in the mirror.

Word Origin

The word 'tell' comes from the Old English word 'tellan', which meant to count, reckon, or relate. It is of Germanic origin and is related to the Dutch 'tellen' and German 'zählen', both of which mean 'to count'. Over time, the meaning shifted from the numerical act of counting to the verbal act of recounting or narrating. This connection is still visible in the word 'bank teller', who counts money.

Original meaning: To count or enumerate.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'telling' people what to do; in many Western cultures, it can sound overly bossy unless you are in a position of authority.

The phrase 'I told you so' is considered quite rude or annoying in many social contexts, as it emphasizes one's own correctness at the expense of another's mistake.

The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe (a famous short story). Tell Me Why (a popular song by the Beatles and many other artists). Show and Tell (a standard American elementary school tradition).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home

Tell me about your day.
Tell the kids to come to dinner.
Don't tell your sister.
Tell me a bedtime story.

At work

Tell me when you finish the report.
He told me he would be late.
I was told the deadline was Friday.
Can you tell the manager I'm here?

In a store/restaurant

Tell me how much this costs.
Tell the waiter we are ready.
Can you tell me where the milk is?
Tell them I have a coupon.

Socializing

Tell me a joke!
Don't tell anyone, but...
I told you she would come.
Tell me what you think.

Giving directions

Can you tell me the way to the park?
Tell me where to turn.
He told me it was near the bank.
Tell me if I'm going the right way.

Conversation Starters

"Tell me about the most interesting place you have ever visited."

"Can you tell me a story from your childhood that you still remember?"

"Tell me, what is your favorite thing to do on a rainy Sunday?"

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

"Tell me about a person who has had a big influence on your life."

Journal Prompts

Write about a time when you had to tell someone some difficult news. How did you feel?

Tell the story of your typical morning routine as if you were writing a book.

What is a secret you are comfortable sharing? Tell the story of how you kept it.

Tell me about your biggest dream for the future and how you plan to achieve it.

Describe a time someone told you something that changed your mind about a topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a common mistake. In English, 'tell' is followed directly by the person. You should say 'tell me,' 'tell him,' or 'tell them.' For example, 'Please tell me the truth' is correct, while 'Please tell to me the truth' is incorrect.

The past tense of 'tell' is 'told.' It is an irregular verb. You use 'told' for all past actions. For example, 'I told her yesterday' or 'They have already told us the news.'

Use 'tell' when you mention the person you are talking to (e.g., 'Tell me'). Use 'say' when you focus on the words themselves or when you don't mention the person (e.g., 'He said hello').

Yes, 'tell' can mean to recognize or see a difference. For example, 'I can tell it's going to rain' means I see evidence of rain. It can also mean 'to distinguish,' as in 'I can't tell the twins apart.'

No, 'tell a story' is the correct collocation. We never use 'say a story' in English. Similarly, we 'tell the truth' and 'tell a lie,' but we don't 'say the truth' or 'say a lie.'

To 'tell someone off' is a phrasal verb meaning to speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong. For example, 'The teacher told the student off for talking during the test.'

No, we use 'speak' for languages. You say 'I speak English,' not 'I tell English.' However, you can say 'Tell me that in English' if you want someone to translate a specific sentence for you.

'All told' is an idiom that means 'in total' or 'counting everything.' For example, 'There were ten people at the party, all told.'

'Tell' is a neutral verb. It is used in both casual conversations and formal writing. However, in very formal contexts, words like 'inform' or 'disclose' might be used instead.

This is an idiom meaning that the future is unpredictable or that you can't be sure about something. For example, 'He might win the lottery; you never can tell!'