How to choose between "say" and "tell"

What happens when you've got a really good story and can't wait to share it with everyone? Do you "say" it or "tell" it? The words "say" and "tell," though both related to speaking, are used in different ways. Here's a simple breakdown of their differences.

Say

"Say" is generally used for expressing words, thoughts, or statements where the recipient of the message is not directly mentioned. It focuses more on the content of the message rather than who is receiving it. Here are some examples:

"She said she would arrive late to the party."

"I said I couldn't swim."

"The teacher said that the exam would be tough."

"Say" can also be used to suggest or estimate something. For example:

"Let's say we meet at the restaurant around 7 p.m."

"She earns, say, $50 per hour for freelance work."

"The repair might cost, say, $200, but we won't know until the technician examines it."

Tell

"Tell" is used when conveying a message directly to a specific person or group. In sentences with "tell," the recipient of the information is usually mentioned. Examples include:

"He told me about his exciting travel plans."

"They told us about their culture."

"Please tell the guests to arrive by 6 p.m."

Secondly, "tell" can also mean to notice or figure something out based on clues or signs. For instance:

"From his expression, I could tell that he was upset."

"The detective could tell from the footprints that the suspect had fled on foot."

"She could tell by the tone of his voice that he was being sarcastic."

Knowing the difference between "say" and "tell" helps you express yourself (and your awesome stories) more clearly.

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