Say or Tell ? How to use in Direct or Reported speech | Learn English with me #englishgrammar

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]Do I use say or tell?

[00:00:03]That is a very common question with students when they work on direct or reported speeches. So, let me answer this for you.

[00:00:12]We use say to say something.

[00:00:15]That means say is used to express words or thoughts, often focusing on what is spoken.

[00:00:22]It doesn't need a listener.

[00:00:24]For example, Jay said he'll be late.

[00:00:28]Everyone says I look like my father.

[00:00:33]Tell is used when you tell someone something. Which means tell is used to give instruction, information, or narrate something focusing on who is being spoken to.

[00:00:46]For example, Jay told Maya that he'll be late.

[00:00:52]Everyone told me that I look like my father.

[00:00:56]Say something.

[00:00:59]Tell someone something.

[00:01:01]Say is extensively used in direct or reported speeches focusing on what is being spoken.

[00:01:09]For example, Maya said that she'll come over later.

[00:01:14]While tell is used in direct speeches only to give order or instruction to someone conveying a message or an information. For example, Maya told her mother to take the medicine on time. Say is not immediately followed a personal object unless followed by a two. For example, Robin said to me that he was tired.

[00:01:40]Therefore, say to someone.

[00:01:43]Tell is immediately followed by a personal object. That is the person being told. For example, Robin told me that he was tired.

[00:01:54]Therefore, tell someone to verb. I hope this has clarified your doubt about say and tell.