please tell me

USAGE SUMMARY

"please tell me" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used as a polite request for information or clarification. You can use it whenever you want someone to provide you with information or when you want them to explain something to you. For example: - Can you please tell me where the nearest gas station is? - Please tell me more about your experience with this product. - I'm confused, could you please tell me what you mean by that?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Someone please tell me".

The New York Times

"Please tell me it's not".

The New Yorker

please tell me.

Columbia University

Please tell me they work!

Harvard Business Review

Please tell me, because I don't know".

The New Yorker

Please tell me I didn't say that".

The New Yorker

Please, please, PLEASE tell me I'm not".

The New York Times

Please tell me I'm good.

The New Yorker

Please tell me that happened.

The Guardian - Sport

"Please tell me," Mizuki insisted.

The New Yorker

Please tell me I'm only dreaming.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please tell me", ensure your tone remains polite and respectful, especially in formal contexts. Adding specificity to your request can also help the other person understand exactly what information you need.

Common error

Avoid using "please tell me" excessively in casual conversations. Overuse can make you sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler phrases like "tell me" or "what's up" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please tell me" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase, used to politely request information. It follows standard grammatical structure, where "please" acts as an interjection to soften the request and "tell me" is the core verb phrase seeking information, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

31%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please tell me" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to politely request information or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Its frequency across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academic settings, underlines its widespread applicability. While perfectly acceptable in most settings, remember to adjust the formality based on your audience, opting for simpler alternatives in very casual conversations. The phrase functions as an interrogative, is neutral to professional in register, and shows widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly inform me

More formal and polite than "please tell me".

can you let me know

Slightly more casual but still polite request for information.

could you explain

Focuses on requesting an explanation rather than general information.

I'd like to know

Expresses a desire to learn something, implying a request for information.

would you clarify

Specifically asks for clarification on a point that is unclear.

I'm curious to know

Highlights curiosity as the motivation for seeking information.

explain it to me

More direct and less polite way to ask for an explanation.

enlighten me

More dramatic and slightly humorous way to ask for information.

share your knowledge

Emphasizes the value of the information being requested.

I'm all ears

Informal way of indicating readiness to listen and receive information.

FAQs

How can I use "please tell me" in a sentence?

You can use "please tell me" to politely request information or clarification. For example, "Please tell me where the nearest library is" or "Please tell me more about your research".

What are some alternatives to "please tell me"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "kindly inform me", "could you explain", or "can you let me know".

Is "please tell me" formal or informal?

"Please tell me" is generally considered polite and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual situations, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

When is it better to use "please inform me" instead of "please tell me"?

The phrase "please inform me" is more formal than "please tell me" and is more appropriate in professional or academic settings. "Please tell me" works well in both professional and casual communications.