Troublesome Verbs Part I (Say and Tell)

Troublesome verbs are verbs that sometimes makes us confuse to use it.

SAY AND TELL

• Say and Tell are REPORTED SPEECH that is used in relating indirectly what someone has said. 

Example:

• He says that you are a very good student.
• He said to me the other day that we should have good weather next week.
• They tell me that you are doing a fine job
• He told Jack  that he would join us for lunch

Note: (In these constructions, an indirect object follows tell; a to-Phrase, not an indirect object, may follow  say)

 

• Say is used in quoting directly from spoken or written source. 

 Example: 

• In his speech of acceptance last Tuesday, the new director said “ I know that I shall enjoy working with all of you.

• Tell is used in some situations such as:
• Tell the truth or lie
• Example :
  • Romy always tells the truth
• Tell a Story, a Joke, The News, The Fact, and so forth.
• Example:
• Try to tell me the important facts/ news
• Joe tells amazing stories about his journey.
   
  
•  Tell about Experiences, Plans, and so forth.
•  Example:
• Can you tell me about your experiences/ plans?
• Tell The Time
•  Example:
• Would you tell me the time?
• Tell one thing or person from another.
•  Example:
• Can you tell one brand of clothes from another?