tell
Translation
to tell, to inform, to narrate, to distinguish
Examples
Can you tell me the time?
Can you tell me the time?
He told a funny story.
He told a funny story.
I can't tell the difference.
I can't tell the difference.
She told me to wait.
She told me to wait.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((sth.)) to inform (sb.) of (sth.) Can you tell me the time?
((sth.)) to narrate (sth.) He told a funny story.
((sb.)) to-inf to instruct (sb.) to do (sth.) She told me to wait.
Similar Words
Synonyms: say, speak, inform, recount; Antonyms: listen, ask
Etymology
From Old English 'tellan' meaning 'to reckon, count, relate'. The idea comes from 'recounting' a story.
Memory Tips
'Tell' often requires a listener (tell someone something), whereas 'say' can just be the words spoken (say something).