Overview
'Say' is not directly followed by a person (She said she was tired). 'Tell' must be followed by a person (She told me she was tired). In reported speech: say that / tell someone that. Common fixed expressions: say hello/goodbye; tell the truth, tell a story, tell someone off.
Say — No Person After
- Say is NOT directly followed by a person.
- ✓She said that she was tired.
- ✓He said goodbye and left.
- ✓They said the meeting was cancelled.
- ✗She said me that she was tired.
Tell — Person Always After
- Tell MUST be followed by a person.
- ✓She told me that she was tired.
- ✓He told the class about the project.
- ✓Can you tell me the way to the station?
- ✗She told that she was tired.
Fixed Expressions
- Telltell the truth · tell a lie · tell a story · tell the time
- Telltell a joke · tell the difference · tell someone off
- Saysay hello/goodbye · say a prayer · say yes/no
- Saysay something · say a word · say the word
When to use
Reported speech
She said (that) she would be late.
Instructions
The teacher told the students to open their books.
Storytelling
He told a fascinating story about his travels.
Social English
She said hello and introduced herself.