Say vs Tell Exercises

Say vs Tell Exercises with Answers

Introduction

Do you find it confusing to decide whether to use say or tell? Both verbs are common in English and often appear in reported speech, but they follow different grammar rules.

If you’re not sure when to use say or tell, don’t worry — these exercises will help you practice and remember the difference.

If you need a full explanation first, check out our detailed guide:

Say vs Tell Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Option

Complete each sentence with the correct form of say or tell.

  1. She _______ me that she was tired.
  2. What did he _______ to you about the meeting?
  3. Please _______ goodbye to your grandmother for me.
  4. He _______ us to sit down and wait.
  5. I didn’t _______ anything because I was nervous.
  6. Somone must _______ him the truth.
  7. She _______ that she was sorry.
1. told
2. say
3. say
4. told
5. say
6. tell
7. said

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistake

Each sentence has a mistake. Rewrite it correctly.

  1. He said me the news.
  2. She told that she was hungry.
  3. They said us to come early.
  4. My teacher said me to study harder.
  5. She told goodbye before leaving.
  6. He told to me that he was coming.
1. He told me the news.
2. She told me that she was hungry.
3. They told us to come early.
4. My teacher told me to study harder.
5. She said goodbye before leaving.

Exercise 3: Reported Speech Practice

Rewrite the sentences in reported speech using say or tell correctly.

  1. “I’m busy right now,” she said.
    • → She _______ she was busy right then.
  2. “Don’t open the door,” he told me.
    • → He _______ me not to open the door.
  3. “We’ll come later,” they said.
    • → They _______ they would come later.
  4. “Please call me tomorrow,” she told her friend.
    • → She _______ her friend to call her the next day.
  5. “I’m tired,” he said to me.
    • → He _______ me he was tired.
1. said
2. told
3. said
4. told
5. said

Exercise 4: Fill in the Gaps (Mixed Practice)

Complete each sentence with the correct form of say or tell.

  1. Don’t _______ anyone our secret!
  2. She _______ she didn’t understand the question.
  3. Can you _______ me the time, please?
  4. They _______ that the shop was closed.
  5. He _______ us to be quiet during the movie.
  6. Don’t _______ anyting to anyone. Keep it secret!
  7. We finally _______ him the truth.
1. tell
2. said
3. tell
4. said
5. told
6. say
7. told

Exercise 5: Speaking or Writing Challenge

Use say and tell in your own sentences. Try to make at least five examples using these patterns:

  • say + something
  • say + to + someone
  • tell + someone + something
  • tell + someone + to + infinitive

💡 Example:

  • My boss told me to arrive early.
  • She said she was feeling better.

Quick Recap: Say vs Tell

Recap: Say and Tell Exercises with Answers
  • Say focuses on what someone said.
    → She said she was tired.
  • Tell focuses on who received the message.
    → She told me she was tired.
  • Both are irregular verbs used in reported speech.
  • ❌ Don’t say “say me” or “tell to someone.”
  • ✅ Say something.
    ✅ Tell someone something.

More on the difference between tell and say!

Conclusion

To understand the difference between say and tell, remember:

  • Say focuses on what was spoken.
  • Tell focuses on who received the information.

If you’d like to review the grammar rules before practicing again, visit:

Tags: Exercises on Verbs
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