Say vs. Tell for Kids & Teens

The verbs "say" and "tell" are both used to express what someone spoke. 1. Use "say" when you want to express what someone has spoken. It is often followed by a direct quote or the word "that." - Example: She said, "I am going to the store." - Example: He said that he was tired. 2. Use "tell" when you are giving information to someone. It is usually followed by a person (the listener) and can include what was said. - Example: She told him a secret. - Example: He told me that he was tired. Conditions: - "Say" does not require a listener in the sentence. You can say something without mentioning who you are saying it to. - "Tell" must always have a listener (the person you are telling something to).