Say vs. Tell

"Say" and "tell" are both verbs used to communicate information, but they are used in different ways. 1. Use "say" when you want to report what someone said. It is often followed by the words directly spoken or reported speech. - Example: She said, "I am happy." - Example: He said (that) he was tired. 2. Use "tell" when you are informing someone or giving them information directly. "Tell" must always be followed by a person (the listener). - Example: She told him, "Be quiet." - Example: She told him to be quiet. - You cannot use "tell" without mentioning the person you are speaking to. Note objective pronouns we use with "tell": I - me You - you He - him She - her It - it We - us You (pl) - you They - them