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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

TELL and SAY

What is the difference between TELL and SAY while using them in INDIRECT SPEECH.

Thank you very much in advance
Regard
Rafi
  

Top answer

'Tell' requires an object. Compare: John said that he was sick. John told us that he was sick.

— Mister Micawber

  • 'Tell' requires an object.
  • Compare: John said that he was sick.
  • John told us that he was sick.
  • 'Say' is used in converting direct to indirect speech because the object is not determinable from the direct quotation.
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1 Answers
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'Tell' requires an object. Compare:

John said that he was sick.
John told us that he was sick.

'Say' is used in converting direct to indirect speech because the object is not determinable from the direct quotation.
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