The difference between say and tell in English often confuses learners. Both verbs are used in reported speech and daily conversation, but they follow different grammar rules. Understanding when to use say or tell correctly is important for students, job aspirants, and competitive exam candidates. This guide explains the difference with rules, tips, and 100 examples.

Introduction to Difference Between Say and Tell in English

The difference between say and tell in English is one of the most common grammar doubts among learners. While both words are used in speech and writing, they are not interchangeable. Knowing when to use say and when to use tell is important for improving fluency, writing skills, and success in competitive exams.

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Key Difference Between Say and Tell in English

• Say is used to report someone’s exact words or general information.
  Example: She said she was tired.
• Tell is used when giving information to someone specific (requires an object).
  Example: She told me she was tired.

Simple Rule:

• Use say without a direct object.
• Use tell with a direct object (someone must be mentioned).

100 Examples of Say and Tell in English

Examples with SAY (1–50)

1. She said she was busy.
2. They said it was raining.
3. He said he would call me.
4. She said her exam was tomorrow.
5. The teacher said the test was easy.
6. She said she liked coffee.
7. He said he was going to Delhi.
8. They said they were friends.
9. She said she had finished the work.
10. He said he would help.
11. She said she was tired.
12. They said they were waiting outside.
13. He said he had seen the movie.
14. She said she wanted to go shopping.
15. They said they enjoyed the party.
16. He said he was reading a book.
17. She said she could swim.
18. They said they had completed the project.
19. He said he was feeling better.
20. She said she was learning English.
21. They said the train was late.
22. He said the meeting was canceled.
23. She said she was going abroad.
24. They said the food was delicious.
25. He said he liked cricket.
26. She said she had lost her phone.
27. They said the teacher was strict.
28. He said the shop was closed.
29. She said she was afraid of dogs.
30. They said they would join us.
31. He said he wanted to buy a car.
32. She said she had been to Hyderabad.
33. They said they could not come.
34. He said he had forgotten the keys.
35. She said she was happy with the result.
36. They said the journey was long.
37. He said the work was important.
38. She said she loved reading books.
39. They said they had no money.
40. He said he needed help.
41. She said she would come tomorrow.
42. They said the road was dangerous.
43. He said he had to leave early.
44. She said she was waiting for me.
45. They said they were late.
46. He said he could not hear well.
47. She said she had a headache.
48. They said the room was clean.
49. He said the bus was crowded.
50. She said she was very excited.

Examples with TELL (51–100)

51. She told me she was busy.
52. They told us it was raining.
53. He told me he would call later.
54. She told her friend about the exam.
55. The teacher told the students the answers.
56. She told me she liked coffee.
57. He told his parents he was going to Delhi.
58. They told me they were friends.
59. She told him she had finished the work.
60. He told me he would help.
61. She told her brother she was tired.
62. They told the police about the accident.
63. He told me he had seen the movie.
64. She told her sister she wanted to go shopping.
65. They told their parents they enjoyed the party.
66. He told his friend he was reading a book.
67. She told me she could swim.
68. They told the teacher they had completed the project.
69. He told me he was feeling better.
70. She told her friend she was learning English.
71. They told us the train was late.
72. He told his colleagues the meeting was canceled.
73. She told me she was going abroad.
74. They told everyone the food was delicious.
75. He told me he liked cricket.
76. She told me she had lost her phone.
77. They told the class the teacher was strict.
78. He told me the shop was closed.
79. She told her mother she was afraid of dogs.
80. They told us they would join us.
81. He told me he wanted to buy a car.
82. She told me she had been to Hyderabad.
83. They told me they could not come.
84. He told me he had forgotten the keys.
85. She told me she was happy with the result.
86. They told us the journey was long.
87. He told his father the work was important.
88. She told me she loved reading books.
89. They told me they had no money.
90. He told me he needed help.
91. She told her friend she would come tomorrow.
92. They told us the road was dangerous.
93. He told me he had to leave early.
94. She told me she was waiting for me.
95. They told me they were late.
96. He told the doctor he could not hear well.
97. She told me she had a headache.
98. They told the manager the room was clean.
99. He told me the bus was crowded.
100. She told me she was very excited.

Important:

• Say is used without a direct object.
• Tell is used with a direct object (someone).

Important Tips for Students and Exam Candidates

• Say does not need an object.
  Correct: She said she was happy.
  Wrong: She said me she was happy.
• Tell always needs an object.
  Correct: She told me she was happy.
  Wrong: She told she was happy.
• In reported speech, both are used but follow grammar rules carefully.
• Competitive exams often test error spotting between say and tell.
  Example Question:
  He said me the news. ( Wrong)
  He told me the news. ( Correct)

FAQs on Difference Between Say and Tell in English

Q1: What is the main difference between say and tell in English?
A: Say is used without an object, while tell always requires an object (someone).

Q2: Can we use say and tell interchangeably?
A: No, because grammar rules are different. Say is about expressing words, tell is about giving information to someone.

Q3: Which is more common in daily use – say or tell?
A: Both are common, but say is often used for general reporting, and tell is used for direct communication.

Conclusion on Difference Between Say and Tell in English

Understanding the difference between say and tell in English is essential for writing, speaking, and competitive exams. Remember: say is used without an object, while tell requires one. With practice and examples, students can master the correct usage easily.

Disclaimer on Difference Between Say and Tell in English

This article is for educational purposes. Grammar usage may vary slightly in informal contexts, but the rules given here are standard for exams and professional English.

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