tell someone about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tell someone about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to inform or share information with someone regarding a specific topic or subject. Example: "Can you tell someone about the changes in the schedule for next week?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They will still value, and pay for, experiences that are unique and remarkable," he adds, "something you'd tell someone about, that you'd convey through word of mouth".

The New York Times

"Sometimes it's not about putting all your money into a big marketing or advertising campaign, but if you can do small things that someone will tell someone about, it gives your brand a good feel, which is great for business.

The Guardian - Money

I needed to tell someone about it".

The New York Times - Health

"She would like to tell someone about it".

The New York Times - Books

I asked her if she would tell someone about it.

The New York Times

Just find ISIS talking online and then tell someone about it.

Independent

If I've fallen over, say, I tell someone about how I almost broke my leg.

Independent

Prepare to take home what you never needed but can't wait to tell someone about.

The New York Times - Arts

Tell someone about the game and then tell them it's from Japan and there'll be little shock.

Independent

She had been neglected and sexually abused for several years and was finally ready to tell someone about it.

The New York Times

Don't be afraid of your own ideas: tell someone about them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "tell someone about", ensure the context clearly indicates what information is being conveyed. For example, "Tell someone about your experience" is more effective than simply "Tell someone."

Common error

Avoid using "tell someone about" without specifying what the 'something' is. For instance, instead of saying "He needed to tell someone about it", be specific: "He needed to tell someone about the accident."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell someone about" functions as a verb phrase, used to describe the action of conveying information or narrating events. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tell someone about" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of conveying information, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news, media, and informal contexts. While versatile, clarity is key: always specify what 'something' you are telling the person about. Alternatives like "inform someone of" or "let someone know about" offer different levels of formality. Overall, "tell someone about" is a reliable phrase to use in your writing, but with some additional context to add clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let someone know about

A more casual way to say "inform someone".

share information with someone about

Highlights the act of distributing knowledge.

make someone aware of

Highlights the goal of bringing knowledge to someone's attention.

inform someone of

Focuses on formally conveying factual information.

report something to someone regarding

Focuses on conveying official information.

communicate something to someone regarding

Focuses on the broader act of conveying a message.

notify someone regarding

Emphasizes a formal announcement or alert.

disclose something to someone concerning

Implies revealing something previously unknown.

reveal details to someone about

Implies unveiling specific or hidden information.

apprise someone of

A formal way to say "inform someone".

FAQs

How can I use "tell someone about" in a sentence?

You can use "tell someone about" when you want to share information or narrate an event to another person. For example, "You should "tell someone about" your day" or "Did you "tell someone about" the good news?".

What are some alternatives to "tell someone about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "inform someone of", "let someone know about", or "share information with someone about", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is it always necessary to include 'about' after "tell someone"?

While "tell someone" can sometimes be used alone, adding "about" typically provides more clarity, especially when referring to a specific topic. Compare "Tell someone your name" with "Tell someone about your day". The latter is more conversational and focuses on conveying information.

When is it crucial to "tell someone about" something important?

It's crucial to "tell someone about" situations involving safety concerns, such as if you are feeling threatened or have witnessed a crime. Also, consider sharing significant personal achievements or challenges with trusted individuals for support.