English grammar explanations - say and tell.

Understanding the differences between say and tell.

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...