tell me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tell me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking a person to provide details on a subject or to provide information. For example: "Tell me how you feel about this situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tell me".

The New York Times

Tell me more, tell me more!

The New York Times

Tell me! Lewis, tell me".

The New York Times - Books

Verse - "Tell me Jenny, tell me roundly,".

Yale University

"Tell me about me".

The New York Times

"Management didn't tell me.

The New York Times

Tell me everything!

The New Yorker

Tell me which ones.

The New Yorker

He wouldn't tell me.

The New Yorker

Luna said, "Tell me.

The New Yorker

"Just tell me".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tell me", be clear about the specific information you're seeking to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid relying heavily on "tell me". Instead, opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "explain", "elaborate", or "provide further details" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell me" primarily functions as an imperative, prompting a response or information from the listener. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. The examples provided show its use in direct requests and inquiries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tell me" is a common and versatile imperative used to solicit information or explanations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a variety of contexts, though it tends to be more frequent in news and media, science and academic environments. While highly functional, it's important to consider the level of formality required; more sophisticated alternatives may be preferable in certain formal settings. Remember to specify the type of information you're after when using "tell me" to avoid ambiguity. In sum, mastering its usage requires attention to register and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Explain to me

Specifically asks for clarification or a detailed account.

Inform me

A more formal way to request information.

Let me know

A casual way of asking to be updated with information.

Give me the details

More direct, asking for specific pieces of information.

Elaborate

A concise way of asking for more details on something.

Give me an account

Requests a detailed report or narrative.

Walk me through it

Asks for a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

Share your knowledge

Politely requests someone to reveal their knowledge.

What's the story?

An informal way to ask for an account of events.

Enlighten me

A more dramatic way to request information, often used humorously.

FAQs

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

You can use "tell me" to request information or an explanation, for example: "Tell me about your day" or "Tell me what happened".

What are some alternatives to using "tell me"?

Alternatives to "tell me" include "inform me", "let me know", or "explain to me", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "tell me" in formal writing?

While "tell me" is grammatically correct, it might be too informal for certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "explain" or "elaborate".

What is the difference between "tell me" and "explain"?

"Tell me" is a general request for information, whereas "explain" implies a request for a more detailed and comprehensive account or clarification.