SAY x TELL

These two verbs confuse nine out of ten students. Still, using them is not that complicated and you'll find a quick and straightforward explanation to master the difference in use below:



SAY: followed by something.
(you can also use SAY STH TO SB, but prefer not to do it)

- She said she had to go to a doctor's appointment.
- I never said I was the only guy responsible for that.
- Bob said bad things about the program.

TELL: followed by someone.

- I have already told you this is not an easy decision to take.
- What did you tell her?
- Pam didn't tell me anything about the weather.

TALK: used to indicate conversation. The structure is TALK TO SB ABOUT STH.

- I talked to my father about the car.

- I don't know what they were talking about.

- Jack didn't talk to me in the morning.

SPEAK: indicates the ability of using a language.

(there are other ways, but prefer the other options)

- I speak three languages.

- I can't hear you! You are speaking too low.

- How long does it take how to speak English?

Click on the links below:

http://www.iei.uiuc.edu/structure/Structure1/saytell.html

http://www.languageproject.co.uk/free_exercises/exercise_page.php?ID=8

Best wishes,

André