Both verbs can have a very similar meaning. We use say when we mention what is said:
He said: "Good morning", and walked on.
John said he wasn't feeling very well.
We use tell when we mention who we are talking to:
He told me it was going to rain today.
I'm going to tell Mary to come and visit this weekend.
We can also use say to with a similar use as tell:
He said to me / he told me he was going on holiday.
Want do you want to say to me / tell me?
We also use tell when we refer to the meaning of telling stories, lies or we give information:
John always tells his little nephew a story before he goes to bed.
Steve can't stop telling lies.
Can
you tell me the time, please? (and not, Can you say
the time, please?)
- Exercises on say and tell...
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