0
Misko Pisko Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

"tell it" vs "say it"

"Tell it" vs "say it" - what is the difference? I am particularly interested in combinations with "it". Are there any rules?

"I told it to her." vs "I said it to her."
"Say it!" vs "Tell it!"
"Say it as it is." vs "Tell it as it is."
"Who did you tell it to?" vs "Who did you say it to?"

Or this one - "Where is it? I don't know, she didn't tell/say."

I'm confused. Thank you Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

Misko Pisko I am particularly interested in combinations with "it". Are there any rules? We usually leave out "it" with "told".

— CalifJim

  • Misko Pisko I am particularly interested in combinations with "it".
  • Are there any rules?
  • We usually leave out "it" with "told".
  • It's used the same as "informed".
  • It sounds wrong with "it".
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
Misko PiskoI am particularly interested in combinations with "it". Are there any rules?
We usually leave out "it" with "told". It's used the same as "informed". It sounds wrong with "it".

Did you tell her? I told her. (no "it")

Did you tell him that you'll be late? Yes, I told him. (no "it")
Tell him! Tell me! (n
0
0
Were you also asking about this aspect of the two words?

The underlying idea with tell is that information.is given to someone.

The underlying idea with say is that words come out of your mouth.

Clive
0

Related Questions