tells
Translation
to say, to narrate, to distinguish, to order
Examples
He tells me a story every night.
He tells me a story every night.
She tells him to be quiet.
She tells him to be quiet.
Can you tell the difference?
Can you tell the difference?
Time will tell if it was a good decision.
Time will tell if it was a good decision.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((sth.)) ((to sb.)) to tell (sth.) to (sb.) He tells a story to his son.
((sb.)) ((sb.)) ((sth.)) to tell (sb.) (sth.) He tells his son a story.
((sb.)) ((sb.)) ((to-inf)) to tell (sb.) to do (sth.) She tells him to be quiet.
((to tell the difference)) to distinguish Can you tell the difference?
Similar Words
Etymology
From Old English 'tellan' meaning 'to reckon, count, relate'. It evolved to mean narrating a story or giving information.
Memory Tips
Remember that you 'tell' a 'tale'. The words are very similar.