meaning - What is the difference between 'tell' and 'say'





“Nothing to tell” versus “nothing to say”



Both words seem to be used interchangeably. I generally don't differentiate between them and intuitively pick one over the other. Is there a standardized way to distinguish between the two?



Answer



The verb tell is transitive, and takes a direct object. The verb said does not. You should use tell when you're emphasizing the fact that you're communicating something to somebody:



Let me tell you how to get to San Jose.
*Let me say to you how to get to San Jose.
Let me tell you a story.
*Let me say a story to you.



You should use say when there is no communication involved:



Say "rubber baby buggy bumpers" ten times fast.
*Tell me "rubber baby buggy bumpers" ten times fast.



Most of the time, both verbs can be used:



Tell me you didn't mean that.
Say you didn't mean that.



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