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(Reg. No 585 of 2018 by Govt. of Telangana)

Commonly Confused Words

Say - Tell
SAY / TELL
Say never has a person as the object. You say something or say something to
somebody. Say is often used when you are giving somebody’s exact words:
‘Sit down,’ she said.
Anne said, ‘I’m tired.’
Anne said (that) she was tired.
What did he say to you?
You cannot use ‘say about’, but say something about is correct:
I want to say something/a few words/a little about my family.
Say can also be used with a clause when the person you are talking to is not mentioned:
She didn’t say what she intended to do.
Tell usually has a person as the object and often has two objects:
Have you told him the news yet?
It is often used with ‘that’ clauses:
Anne told me (that) she was tired.
Tell is usually used when somebody is giving facts or information, often
with what, where, etc:
Can you tell me when the movie starts?
(BUT: Can you give me some information about the school?) Tell is also used when you
are giving somebody instructions:
The doctor told me to stay in bed.
The doctor told me (that) I had to stay in bed. OR The doctor said (that) I had to stay in bed.
NOT The doctor said me to stay in bed.

Say /seɪ/ verb

[intransitive, transitive] to speak or tell somebody something, using words

 + speech ‘Hello!’ she said.

 ‘That was marvellous,’ said Daniel.
 A legendary football coach once said, ‘Winning is everything.’

In stories, the subject often comes after said, says or say when it follows the actual
words spoken, unless it is a pronoun.

 say something Be quiet, I have something to say.

 Come and say hello.
 Please say yes!
 I didn't believe a word she said.
 That's a terrible thing to say.
 say something to somebody She said nothing to me about it.
 say to somebody/yourself + speech I said to myself (= thought), ‘That can't be
right!’
 say (that)… He said (that) his name was Sam.
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 Can I just say I'm not happy about this.

 I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
 it is said that… It is said that she lived to be over 100.
 say what, how, etc… She finds it hard to say what she feels.
 ‘That's impossible!’ ‘So you say (= but I think you may be wrong).’
 ‘Why can't I go out now?’ ‘Because I say so.’
 ‘What do you want it for?’ ‘I'd rather not say.’
 say to do something He said to meet him here.
 be said to be/have something He is said to have been a brilliant scholar.

[transitive] say something to repeat words, phrases, etc.

to say a prayer
Try to say that line with more conviction.
give written information
[transitive, no passive] (of something that is written or can be seen) to give particular
information or instructions
+ speech The notice said ‘Keep Out’.
say something The clock said three o'clock.
say (that)… The instructions say (that) we should leave it to set for four hours.
say where, why, etc… The book doesn't say where he was born.
say to do something The guidebook says to turn left.
express opinion
[transitive, intransitive] to express an opinion on something
say something Say what you like (= although you disagree) about her, she's a fine singer.
I'll say this for them, they're a very efficient company.
Anna thinks I'm lazy—what do you say (= what is your opinion)?
say (that)… I can't say I blame her for resigning (= I think she was right).
I have to say I enjoyed every minute.
I say (= suggest) we go without them.
I wouldn't say they were rich (= in my opinion they are not rich).
That's not to say it's a bad movie (= it is good but it is not without faults).
say what, how, etc… It's hard to say what caused the accident.
It's difficult to say whether the story is true.
‘When will it be finished?’ ‘I couldn't say (= I don't know).’
Is it worth it? I would say not.
[transitive] to make thoughts, feelings, etc. clear to somebody by using words, looks,
movements, etc.
say something
His angry glance said it all.
Just what is the artist trying to say in her work?
say something about somebody/something
The museum's architects have managed to say something about our national story.
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show what somebody/something is like

[transitive] to show, sometimes indirectly, what somebody/something is like
say something
That says it all really, doesn't it? (= it shows clearly what is true)
say something about somebody/something
The incident says an awful lot about his character.
say something to somebody
This says to me that there is more here than you are letting on.
[transitive, no passive] to suggest or give something as an example or a possibility
say something/somebody
You could learn the basics in, let's say, three months.
Let’s take any writer, say (= for example) Dickens…
say (that)… Say you lose your job: what would you do then?
Just say he refuses to talk to you.

Idioms with SAY

be easier said than done = (saying) to be much more difficult to do than to talk about
‘Why don't you get yourself a job?’ ‘That's easier said than done.’
enough said = used to say that you understand a situation and there is no need to say any
more
‘He's a politician, remember.’ ‘Enough said.’
go without saying = to be very obvious or easy to predict
Of course, I'll help you. That goes without saying.
have something, nothing, etc. to say for yourself = to be ready, unwilling, etc. to talk or
give your views on something
She doesn't have much to say for herself (= doesn't take part in conversation).
He had plenty to say for himself (= he had a lot of opinions and was willing to talk).
Late again—what have you got to say for yourself (= what is your excuse)?
have something to say (to somebody) about something = to be angry
He knew that if he wasn't back by midnight, his parents would have something to say about it.
having said that | that said = (informal) used to introduce an opinion that makes what
you have just said seem less strong
I sometimes get worried in this job. Having said that, I enjoy doing it, it's a challenge.
I dare say = (also I daresay especially in British English) = used when you are saying
that something is likely
I dare say you know about it already.
if you don’t mind me/my saying so… = used when you are going to criticize somebody
or say something that might upset them
That colour doesn't really suit you, if you don't mind my saying so.
I hear what you're saying = used to tell somebody that you have listened to their
opinion, especially when you are going to express a different opinion
I hear what you're saying, but you're wrong.
I’m glad to say (that…) = (informal) used when you are commenting on a situation and
saying that you are happy about it
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Most teachers, I'm glad to say, take their jobs very seriously.
I’m sorry to say = used for saying that something is disappointing
He didn't accept the job, I'm sorry to say.
I must say = (informal) used to emphasize an opinion
Well, I must say, that's the funniest thing I've heard all week.
it says a lot, very little, etc. for somebody/something = (informal) it shows a good/bad
quality that somebody/something has
It says a lot for her that she never lost her temper.
It didn't say much for their efficiency that the order arrived a week late.
I wouldn’t say no (to something) = (informal) used to say that you would like something
or to accept something that is offered
I wouldn't say no to a pizza.
‘Tea, Brian?’ ‘I wouldn't say no.’
let's just say = used when commenting on a situation to suggest that you could say
something more or worse but prefer not to
Let's just say he wasn't very happy about the decision (= he was very unhappy or angry about
it).
let us say = used when making a suggestion or giving an example
I can let you have it for, well let's say £100.
mean to say = used to emphasize what you are saying or to ask somebody if they really
mean what they say
I mean to say, you should have known how he would react!
Do you mean to say you've lost it?
needless to say = used to emphasize that the information you are giving is obvious
The problem, needless to say, is the cost involved.
never say die = (saying) do not stop hoping
no sooner said than done = used to say that something was, or will be, done immediately
not have a good word to say for somebody/something = (informal) to never say anything
good about somebody/something
not to say = used to introduce a stronger way of describing something
a difficult, not to say impossible, task
say cheese = used to ask somebody to smile before you take their photograph
say a mouthful = (North American English, informal) to say something important
You said a mouthful there, buddy.
say no (to something) = to refuse an offer, a suggestion, etc.
If you don't invest in this, you're saying no to a potential fortune.
say no more = (informal) used to say that you understand exactly what somebody means
or is trying to say, so it is unnecessary to say anything more
‘They went to Paris together.’ ‘Say no more!’
say your piece = to say exactly what you feel or think
say what? = (North American English, informal) used to express surprise at what
somebody has just said
‘He's getting married.’ ‘Say what?’
say when = used to ask somebody to tell you when you should stop pouring a drink or
serving food for them because they have enough
say/give the word = to give an order; to make a request
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Just say the word, and I'll go.

suffice (it) to say (that)… = used to suggest that although you could say more, what you
do say will be enough to explain what you mean
I won’t go into all the details. Suffice it to say that the whole event was a complete disaster.
that is to say
three days from now, that is to say on Friday
that said | having said that = used to introduce an opinion that makes what you have
just said seem less strong
that’s not saying much = used to say that something is not very unusual or special
She's a better player than me, but that's not saying much (= because I am a very bad player).
there’s no saying = used to say that it is impossible to predict what might happen
There's no saying how he'll react.
there’s something, not much, etc. to be said for something/doing something
= there are/are not good reasons for doing something, believing something or agreeing
with something
to say the least = without making something seem better, worse, more serious, etc. than
it really is
I was surprised, to say the least.
to say nothing of something = used to introduce a further fact or thing in addition to those
already mentioned
It was too expensive, to say nothing of the time it wasted.
well said! = (informal) I agree completely
‘We must stand up for ourselves.’ ‘Well said, John.’
what do/would you say (to something/doing something) = (informal) would you like
something/to do something?
What would you say to eating out tonight?
Let's go away for a weekend. What do you say?
whatever you say = (informal) used to agree to somebody’s suggestion because you do
not want to argue
what/whatever somebody says, goes = (informal, often humorous) a particular person
must be obeyed
Sarah wanted the kitchen painted green, and what she says, goes.
when all is said and done
when everything is considered
I know you're upset, but when all's said and done it isn't exactly a disaster.
who can say (…)? = used to say that nobody knows the answer to a question
Who can say what will happen next year?
who says (…)? = (informal) used to disagree with a statement or an opinion
Who says I can't do it?
who’s to say (…)? = used to say that something might happen or might have happened
in a particular way, because nobody really knows
Who's to say we would not have succeeded if we'd had more time?
you can say that again = (informal) I agree with you completely
‘He's in a bad mood today.’ ‘You can say that again!’
you can’t say fairer (than that) = (British English, informal) used to say that you think
the offer you are making is reasonable or generous
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Look, I'll give you £100 for it. You can't say fairer than that.
you don’t say! = (informal, often ironic) used to express surprise
‘They left without us.’ ‘You don't say!’ (= I'm not surprised)
you said it!(informal) = (British English) used to agree with somebody when they say
something about themselves that you would not have been rude enough to say yourself
‘I know I'm not the world's greatest cook.’ ‘You said it!’

Tell - /tel/ - verb

[transitive] (of a person) to give information to somebody by speaking or writing

 tell something to somebody He told the news to everybody he saw.

 tell somebody something He told everybody he saw the news.
 Did she tell you her name?
 What did I tell you? (= you should have listened to my advice)
 ‘Come closer,’ she said, ‘I want to tell you something’.
 tell somebody about something Why wasn't I told about the accident?
 tell somebody/yourself (that)… They’ve told us (that) they’re not coming.
 I told him straight (= in a direct way) that I wasn't voting for him.
 He later told the court that he had returned the money.
 I kept telling myself (that) everything was OK.
 Are you telling me you didn't have any help with this? (= I don't believe what you
have said)
 tell somebody where, what, etc… Tell me where you live.
 tell somebody + speech ‘I'm ready to go now,’ he told her.
 'We hope that there will be some progress,' he told reporters.

[transitive] (of some writing, an instrument, a sign, etc.) to give information about
something

o tell somebody something The advertisement told us very little about the
product.
o tell somebody how, where, etc… This gauge tells you how much fuel you
have left.
o tell somebody (that)… The sound of his breathing told her (that) he was
asleep.

express in words

[transitive] to express something in words

o tell something to tell stories/jokes/lies

o Are you sure you're telling the truth?
o tell somebody how, what, etc… I can't tell you how happy I am.
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o tell somebody something We'd go fishing and she'd tell me stories.

o All of them had an interesting story to tell.

secret

[intransitive] (informal) to let somebody know a secret

o Promise you won't tell.

o ‘Who are you going out with tonight?’ ‘That would be telling!’ (= it's a secret)

Order

[transitive] to order or advise somebody to do something

o tell somebody/yourself to do something He was told to sit down and wait.

o There was a sign telling motorists to slow down.
o I kept telling myself to keep calm.
o I specifically told you to be here on time.
o tell somebody something Do what I tell you.
o tell somebody Children must do as they're told.
o tell somebody what, when, etc… Don't tell me what to do!
o tell somebody (that)… The doctor told me (that) I should eat less fat.

know/judge
[intransitive, transitive](not used in the progressive tenses)to know, see or judge something
correctly

o I think he's happy. It's hard to tell.

o As far as I can tell, she's enjoying the course.
o ‘That's not an original.’ ‘How can you tell?’
o tell (that)… I could tell (that) he was angry from his expression.
o tell how, if, etc… The only way to tell if you like something is by trying it.
o It's too early to tell how popular this service will be.
o It's impossible to tell exactly where the problem is.

distinguish
[transitive](not used in the progressive tenses or in the passive)to recognize the difference
between one thing or person and another

o tell something It was hard to tell the difference between the two versions.
o tell A from B Can you tell Tom from his twin brother?
o Can you tell this copy from the original?
o tell A and B apart It's difficult to tell them apart.
o tell which, what, etc… The kittens look exactly alike—how can you tell
which is which?
o I couldn't tell who was meant to be the chairman.
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have effect

[intransitive] tell (on somebody) to have an effect on somebody/something, especially a

bad one

o The strain was beginning to tell on the rescue team.

o
Idioms with tell
all told = with all people, etc. counted and included

o There are 52 people coming, all told.

don’t tell me = (informal) used to say that you know or can guess what somebody is going to
say, especially because it is typical of them

o Don't tell me you were late again!

hear tell (of something) = (old-fashioned or formal) to hear people talking about something

o I've often heard tell of such things.

if (the) truth be known/told = used to tell somebody the true facts about a situation,
especially when these are not known by other people

o If the truth be known, I was afraid to tell anyone.

I tell a lie = (British English, informal) used to say that something you have just said is not
true or correct

o We first met in 2006, no, I tell a lie, it was 2007.

I tell you | I can tell you | I’m telling you =(informal) used to emphasize what you are
saying, especially when it is surprising or difficult to believe

o It isn't cheap, I can tell you!

o I'm telling you, that's exactly what she said.

I/I’ll tell you what = (informal) used to introduce a suggestion

o I'll tell you what—let's stay in instead.

I told you (so) = (informal) used when something bad has happened, to remind somebody
that you warned them about it and they did not listen to you
kiss and tell

a way of referring to somebody talking publicly, usually for money, about a past sexual
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relationship with somebody famous

know/tell somebody a thing or two (about somebody/something) = (informal) to know/tell

somebody some useful, interesting or surprising information about somebody/something

o She's been married five times, so she knows a thing or two about men!

a little bird told me = (informal) used to say that somebody told you something but you do
not want to say who it was
live, etc. to tell the tale = to survive a difficult or dangerous experience so that you can tell
others what really happened
tell a different story/tale = to give some information that is different from what you expect
or have been told

o These drugs are widely believed to be effective medications. The data,

however, tell a different story.

tell me = (informal) used to introduce a question

o Tell me, have you had lunch yet?

tell me about it = (informal) used to say that you understand what somebody is talking about
and have had the same experience

o ‘I get so annoyed with Steve!’ ‘Tell me about it. He drives me crazy.’

tell me another! = (informal) used to tell somebody that you do not believe what they have
said
tell its own tale/story = to explain itself, without needing any further explanation or
comment

o Her face told its own story.

tell tales (about something/on somebody) = to tell somebody about something that another
person has done wrong
tell somebody/know a thing or two (about somebody/something) = (informal) to tell
somebody/know some useful, interesting or surprising information about
somebody/something

o After winning several Oscars, Nick Park can tell you a thing or two about
making animated films.

tell the time(British English) (North American English tell time)

1. to read the time from a clock, etc.

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o She's only five—she hasn't learnt to tell the time yet.

tell somebody where to get off/where they can get off = (British English, informal) to
make it clear to somebody that you will no longer accept their bad behaviour
tell somebody where to put/stick something | tell somebody what they can do with
something = (informal) to make it clear to somebody that you are angry and are rejecting
what they are offering you
there’s no telling = used to say that it is impossible to know what happened or will happen

o There's no telling how they'll react.

time (alone) will tell | only time will tell = (saying) used to say that you will have to wait for
some time to find out the result of a situation

o Only time will tell if the treatment has been successful.

to tell (you) the truth = (informal) used when admitting something

o To tell the truth, I fell asleep in the middle of her talk.

you can never tell | you never can tell = (saying) you can never be sure, for example
because things are not always what they appear to be
you’re telling me! = (informal) I completely agree with you

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