tell them

USAGE SUMMARY

"tell them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to someone who needs to be informed or reminded of something. For example, "Please tell them the meeting has been moved to Wednesday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Tell them.

The New Yorker

Someone should tell them.

Independent

Tell them, Mim".

The New Yorker

Let him tell them.

The New Yorker

"No," I tell them.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You can tell them".

The New Yorker

"Please tell them.

The New York Times

"Don't tell them that".

The New Yorker

We tell them off.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Tell them you're sad.

WikiHow

I tell them.

Pastoralism

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tell them", be mindful of the audience and choose a tone that matches the context. While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "inform them" in professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "tell them" excessively in formal writing. Opt for synonyms like "inform them" or "notify them" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell them" functions as a directive, instructing someone to communicate information to a specific group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

31%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tell them" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to instruct or report the communication of information. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is widely used and easily understood. While generally acceptable, remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing between "tell them" and its more formal alternatives like "inform them" or "notify them". This guide helps you navigate its usage effectively, ensuring clear and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inform them

Replaces "tell" with a more formal synonym, "inform", suggesting a more official or serious communication.

let them know

A common and slightly more casual alternative, focusing on ensuring the recipients are aware of something.

notify them

Similar to "inform", but often implies a more urgent or important piece of information.

communicate to them

A more formal and direct way of saying "tell them", emphasizing the act of communication.

pass the word to them

An idiomatic expression suggesting the relaying of information, often less formal.

apprise them of

A very formal and less common way to say "inform them", often used in legal or official contexts.

give them the message

Focuses on delivering a specific message, rather than general information.

break it to them

Typically used when the information is bad news or difficult to convey.

explain it to them

Specifies that the information needs clarification or detailed explanation.

disclose to them

Implies revealing something that was previously hidden or not widely known.

FAQs

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

You can use "tell them" to instruct someone to convey information, as in "Tell them the meeting is postponed", or to report what you communicate, such as "I tell them everything is fine".

What is a more formal alternative to "tell them"?

More formal alternatives to "tell them" include "inform them", "notify them", or "apprise them of", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "tell them" and "let them know"?

While similar, "tell them" is a more direct instruction to communicate something. "Let them know" is slightly more casual and focuses on ensuring they are aware.

When should I avoid using "tell them"?

Avoid using "tell them" in highly formal or technical writing. In such contexts, using alternatives like "communicate to them" or "disclose to them" can be more appropriate.