I tell him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I tell him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action of communicating or conveying information to someone, typically in the present tense. Example: "Whenever I have a question, I tell him what I need help with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Yes," I tell him.

Independent

"I tell him no.

The New Yorker

"Pennsylvania," I tell him.

The New Yorker

I tell him so.

The New Yorker

I tell him everything.

The New York Times

"No," I tell him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Should I tell him?

The New York Times - Magazine

I tell him that.

Independent

"Not yet," I tell him.

The New Yorker

How do I tell him?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I told him nothing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, ensure the context makes it clear who "I" and "him" refer to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While "I tell him" is generally acceptable, be mindful of overly formal contexts. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives such as "I inform him" or "I communicate to him" to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I tell him" primarily functions as a declarative statement, indicating an act of communication from the speaker to another person. It is a straightforward way to report speech or convey information. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I tell him" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe an act of communication. Ludwig AI confirms this based on a wide array of examples. It is generally appropriate for neutral contexts, particularly in narrative and dialogue within news and media. While versatile, remember to adjust the formality based on the writing context, considering alternatives like "I inform him" for more formal settings. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively incorporate "I tell him" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I say to him

A more literal and direct form of reporting speech.

I let him know

A common, less formal way to say that you communicated something.

I explain to him

Focuses on making something clear or understandable.

I inform him

Implies a more formal or official communication.

I communicate to him

More formal and emphasizes the act of conveying information.

I mention to him

Suggests a casual or brief communication.

I notify him

Indicates an official or important communication.

I advise him

Suggests giving counsel or recommendations.

I assure him

Implies a statement intended to remove doubts or fears.

I reveal to him

Suggests disclosing something previously unknown.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I tell him"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "I inform him", "I let him know", or "I mention to him".

Is "I tell him" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "I tell him" may sound too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider using phrases like "I communicate to him" or "I advise him" in those situations.

How can I make my use of "I tell him" clearer in my writing?

Ensure the context clearly identifies who "I" and "him" refer to. This avoids confusion and makes your writing more direct and easy to understand. You can also vary your sentence structure to avoid overuse of the phrase.

What's the difference between "I tell him" and "I told him"?

"I tell him" is in the present tense, indicating an ongoing or habitual action. "I told him" is in the past tense, indicating a completed action in the past. Use the appropriate tense depending on when the communication occurred.