Say = speak words
Tell = give an account
A. SAY
- It can introduce a statement in direct speech or follow it.
Tom said: "I've just heard the news." or "I've just heard the news", Tom said.
- say + to + person addressed
In this case, the phrase follows the direct statement:
"I'm leaving at once", Tom said to me.
B. TELL
- tell + person addressed
It is placed after the statement and is always followed by the person addressed:
"I'm leaving at once", Tom told me.
- tell + person + to-infinitive
- He told me to call later.
- The teacher told us to do all the exercises.
Attention!
tell somebody that ... BUT say that .... or say to somebody that ... (in spoken English)
- He told me that we had to go.
- He said that we had to go.
- He said to us that we had to go. (spoken)
C. Expressions with SAY
- say my prayers
- it goes without saying
- let's say
- say something / nothing / anything
- say a word
- say hello / good morning / goodbye
- say no more
- I'd rather not say
D. Expressions with TELL
- tell my name
- tell the time
- tell the truth
- tell lies
- tell a story
- tell a secret
- tell the difference
- tell a joke
- tell somebody something
- tell me another (used when when you don't believe what someone has told you)
DO NOT SAY: He said me but He said to me.
DO NOT SAY: He told to me but He told me.
