tell me back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tell me back" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not commonly used and may cause confusion; a more appropriate phrase would be "tell me back" in the context of asking for a response or feedback. Example: "After you review the document, please tell me back what you think."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

'I've had people tell me, "Back off, Paki, and don't call me again", said Eugene, 27, whose former employer, Spectrumind, provided an accounts services for BT.

The Guardian

MARSEILLE — My late friend and one-time employer, Louis Chaponneau, a French provincial grocer, used to tell me back in the early 1960s that he much admired the British political system in which the Labour and Conservative parties took turns to run the country.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This argument may seem provocative," he told me back then.

The New York Times

"I'm a history guy," he told me back then.

The New York Times - Food

It was strange, she told me back then.

The New York Times

"We have to win Delhi," he told me back in February.

The New Yorker

"A hundred million dollars is nothing," the venture capitalist Andy Rappaport told me back in the summer of 2004.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sounds very much like what Mr. Nevard told me back in 1967.

The New York Times

He told me back, "I always get the crazy ones" and muttered at me in another language.

The New York Times

"It's a latrine," Mario Moscatelli, a Brazilian biologist and environmental advocate for the bay, told me back in May.

The New Yorker

"Elections are where all the desires gravitate," Chan told me, back in the heyday of the Mong Kok occupation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "tell me back" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives like "repeat what you said" or "explain it again".

Common error

The error often lies in the incorrect formation of the request. "Tell me back" is not a standard English construction. To avoid this, use established phrases that convey your intention directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell me back" primarily functions as an imperative request. However, its non-standard grammatical structure makes it uncommon and potentially confusing. Ludwig AI indicates that is not correct and can cause confusion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tell me back" is considered grammatically incorrect and rarely used in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms its incorrectness, advising against its use due to potential confusion. While it appears in some contexts, primarily in News & Media, it's best to opt for clearer and more conventional alternatives such as "repeat what you said" or "explain that again". Using established phrases will improve clarity and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeat what you said

This alternative directly asks for a repetition of the previous statement.

say it again

A more casual way of asking for a repetition.

can you reiterate

A more formal request for repetition.

explain that again

Focuses on understanding and clarification.

summarize your point

Asks for a brief overview of the main idea.

give me your feedback

Requests an evaluation or opinion after receiving information.

let me know your thoughts

Solicits opinions or reactions.

share your perspective

Invites a personal viewpoint or understanding.

provide your assessment

Seeks a formal evaluation or judgment.

tell me your understanding

Asks the other party to express their comprehension of the subject.

FAQs

What's a more appropriate way to ask someone to repeat something?

Instead of "tell me back", use phrases like "repeat what you said", "say that again", or "can you reiterate".

Is "tell me back" grammatically correct?

No, "tell me back" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's best to use alternative phrasings for clarity.

How can I ask for feedback without using the phrase "tell me back"?

To request feedback, try using phrases like "give me your feedback", "let me know your thoughts", or "share your perspective".

What's the difference between "tell me back" and "tell me again"?

"Tell me again" is a correct and commonly used way to ask someone to repeat themselves. "Tell me back", however, is not standard English and should be avoided.