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Shaun Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Say/Tell - what is the difference?

Hi,

What did you tell to him?
What did you say to him?

Which one is grammatical and why? Can you please explain to me? I am always getting confused as to when to use "say" and "tell"

Thanks a lot!
  

Top answer

What did you tell him ? What did you say to him? Here, they are synonymous (as amended).

— Mister Micawber

  • What did you tell him ?
  • What did you say to him?
  • Here, they are synonymous (as amended).
  • 'Tell' is generally a verb of indirect quotation, while 'say' is generally a verb of direct quotation.
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3 Answers
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What did you tell him?
What did you say to him?

Here, they are synonymous (as amended). 'Tell' is generally a verb of indirect quotation, while 'say' is generally a verb of direct quotation.
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Thanks for answering Emotion: smile

But I don't understand what "indirect/direct quotation" means. Can you please explain it to me with s
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