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Understanding the difference between say and tell is one of the most common challenges for English learners. But they aren’t the only confusing verbs related to communication! Words like speak, talk, ask, explain, and inform also cause difficulty because they have similar meanings but follow different grammar patterns.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use these verbs correctly, with examples, tables, and short practice exercises.
Say vs Tell and Other Confusing Verbs in English
1. Say vs Tell: The Basics
Both say and tell are irregular reporting verbs — their past forms don’t end in –ed.
| Base Form | Past Simple | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| say | said | said |
| tell | told | told |
Meaning
- Say focuses on the words spoken.
She said she was tired. - Tell focuses on the person who receives the information.
She told me she was tired.
Patterns
| Verb | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| say | say + something | She said she was sorry. |
| say | say + to + someone | He said to me that he was late. |
| tell | tell + someone + something | She told me she was sorry. |
| tell | tell + someone + to + infinitive | He told me to sit down. |
💡 Quick rule:
- → Say something.
- → Tell someone something.
For more detailed examples, visit our full guide: The Difference Between Say and Tell.
2. Speak vs Talk
These two verbs both describe verbal communication but differ in formality and focus.
Main difference
- Speak is more formal and often refers to the ability to use a language or one-way communication.
- Talk is informal and suggests a two-way conversation.
| Verb | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| speak | formal or about languages | She speaks English and French fluently. |
| speak | to give a speech or formal talk | The manager spoke to the staff. |
| talk | informal or friendly conversation | We talked for hours about our plans. |
| talk | focus on exchanging ideas | Can I talk to you for a minute? |
💡 Quick tip:
Use speak for languages and formal settings; use talk for friendly or informal situations.
3. Ask vs Tell
Both verbs involve giving or receiving information, but their direction is different.
| Verb | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ask | request or question | She asked me to help her. |
| tell | give information or order | She told me to help her. |
💡 Tip:
- Ask → when you want information.
- Tell → when you give information.
4. Explain vs Tell / Say
Explain means to make something clear or easy to understand.
It focuses on the idea, not just the words.
| Correct | Incorrect | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| He explained the rules to us. | He explained us the rules. | Use to before the listener. |
| Can you explain this to me? | Can you explain me this? | ❌ No double object after explain. |
💡 Tip:
Use explain + something (to someone) — never explain someone something.
5. Inform vs Tell
Both inform and tell communicate information, but inform is more formal and often used in written or professional contexts.
| Verb | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| tell | neutral and common | They told us about the delay. |
| inform | formal or official | They informed us of the delay. |
💡 Inform is preferred in business or official writing.
Example:
- The company informed customers about the policy changes.
6. Quick Comparison Table
| Verb | Pattern | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| say | say + something | words spoken | She said she was sorry. |
| tell | tell + someone + something | listener | He told me the truth. |
| speak | speak + to + someone / speak + language | ability, formality | He speaks Spanish. |
| talk | talk + to/with + someone | conversation | We talked all night. |
| ask | ask + someone + for/about | request information | He asked me a question. |
| explain | explain + something + to + someone | make clear | She explained the rule to us. |
| inform | inform + someone + of/about | formal communication | They informed us of the results. |
Practice Exercise
Complete the sentences with the correct verb: say, tell, speak, talk, ask, explain, or inform.
- She _______ me that she would be late.
- Could you _______ this rule to me again?
- He didn’t _______ anything during the meeting.
- The teacher _______ us to submit our work by Friday.
- We _______ for hours about our holiday plans.
- The manager _______ to the employees about safety rules.
- The company _______ customers of a price increase.
- Can you _______ me a question about that topic?
2. explain
3. say
4. told
5. talked
6. spoke
7. informed
8. ask
Conclusion
These verbs — say, tell, speak, talk, ask, explain, and inform — all describe communication, but they have different meanings, grammar patterns, and levels of formality.
Understanding their distinctions will help you express yourself clearly and naturally in English conversations and writing.
More on the difference between tell and say!
