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Hans51 Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

"Tell" for direct narration.

Hello, is it okay to say,

He told me, "I love you".

But I think that it should be He said, "I love you" to me.

So my question is that "tell" can be used for direct narration?

Thank you as always and have a good day.
  

Top answer

To me, it seems grammatically OK but unusual. 'Say' is traditionally direct speech and 'tell' is indirect speech.

— Mister Micawber

  • To me, it seems grammatically OK but unusual.
  • 'Say' is traditionally direct speech and 'tell' is indirect speech.
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5 Answers
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To me, it seems grammatically OK but unusual. 'Say' is traditionally direct speech and 'tell' is indirect speech.
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Hi,
Kwang Hee HanHe told me, "I love you".
To me, it doesn't sound OK.

These sound natural to me, however:

He told me that he loved me. -- The emphasis is placed on the content of what he said: he wanted to show

his deep affection for me. [He told me something.] Indirect speech.

He said, "I love you."
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Hi,
CliveIt's OK.
Do you mean it's just grammatically OK or it's both usual and grammatical?

I think your answer needs some clarification.

Thanks.

Regards
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Hi,

The grammar is OK.
The verb isn't usual in that kind of context, but it's not really what I'd call odd.

Clive
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