Say- Tell
Two verbs often confused are "say" and "tell."
1. You can use "say" for direct quotations:
Safaa said, "I need to go shopping this afternoon." (These are the exact words she spoke.)
2. You can use "say" for indirect quotations:
Safaa said that she needed to go shopping. (This is a de,,,,,,ion of what she said but not her exact words)
3. You can use "tell" for indirect quotations:
Safaa told me that she needed to go shopping.
(notice the use of an object after "tell.)
"Tell" is also use with words such as "story," "lie," "truth," etc.
The teacher told the class a story.
She isn’t telling the truth.
They tell lies about each other.
Can you tell me the time?