tell

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'tell' is correct and usable in written English.
'Tell' can be used as a verb, noun, and adjective, and it is commonly used in day-to-day conversation. Example sentence: I need to tell you something important.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The government should not tell women what to wear, the home secretary has said, amid ongoing debate over the use of full-face veils.

The Guardian

Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.

The New York Times

Only time will tell.

The New York Times

I can tell you what recorded history says, I can tell you what the Bible says, but I think that's a dispute amongst theologians and I think it has nothing to do with the gross domestic product or economic growth of the United States.

The New York Times

We don't know who they were because they wouldn't tell us and have not provided us with any paperwork.

The Guardian

Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop Want to tell the world about a book you've read?

The Guardian

To increase the likelihood of your nomination being considered, please: Tell us why it's a worthy contender.

The Guardian - Music

Time will tell.

The New York Times

"I can't tell you".

The New York Times

No, don't tell me.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is hard to tell.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tell", ensure the context clearly indicates who is receiving the information. For example, "Tell him the truth" is clearer than just "Tell the truth."

Common error

Avoid using "tell" and "say" interchangeably. "Tell" requires a direct object (the person being told), while "say" focuses on the content of the message. Instead of "He said to me the story", use "He told me the story" or "He said the story to me."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tell" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the recipient of the information). Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts, for example 'Tell us why it's a worthy contender'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "tell" functions primarily as a transitive verb used to convey information or give instructions. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that "tell" follows standard grammar rules and is very commonly used, especially in News & Media. When using "tell", it is important to ensure the recipient of the information is clear, and to avoid confusing it with "say", which focuses on the message itself. Alternative phrases include "inform", "narrate", and "reveal", each carrying slightly different connotations. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "tell" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inform

Focuses on conveying information.

narrate

Emphasizes the act of storytelling.

state

Implies a formal or official declaration.

recount

Suggests a detailed account of an event.

reveal

Highlights the act of making something known.

disclose

Implies uncovering something previously hidden.

communicate

A broader term for conveying information.

impart

Suggests sharing knowledge or wisdom.

divulge

Indicates revealing secret or sensitive information.

report

Focuses on conveying factual information.

FAQs

How to use "tell" in a sentence?

The verb "tell" requires a direct object, indicating who is receiving the information. For example, "Please "tell me more"" or "I need to "tell her something"."

What can I say instead of "tell"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inform", "narrate", "state", or "reveal".

Which is correct, "tell to me" or "tell me"?

"Tell me" is the correct and more common form. The preposition "to" is not needed after "tell" when indicating the recipient of the information.

What's the difference between "tell" and "say"?

"Tell" requires a direct object (the person being told), whereas "say" focuses on the content of the message. For example, "He "told me a story"" (tell) versus "He "said that he was tired"" (say).