Say or Tell?
Grammar Focus
Глаголы say и tell оба переводятся как «говорить», однако употребляются по-разному.
1. Основное различие
Say — делает акцент на содержании высказывания (что сказано).
Tell — делает акцент на получателе информации (кому сказано).
2. Грамматические конструкции
SAY
say + something
say + (that) + clause
say to somebody
После say прямое дополнение без предлога обычно не используется.
Examples:
She said she was tired.
— Она сказала, что устала.
He said that he didn’t understand the task.
— Он сказал, что не понял задание.
She said something interesting.
— Она сказала что-то интересное.
He said to me that he would call later.
— Он сказал мне, что позвонит позже.
TELL
tell somebody something
tell somebody (that) + clause
tell a story / the truth / a lie
tell somebody to do something
После tell обязательно указывается получатель информации.
Examples:
She told me the answer.
— Она сказала мне ответ.
He told us that the exam was difficult.
— Он сказал нам, что экзамен был сложным.
My teacher told a funny story.
— Мой учитель рассказал смешную историю.
Please tell me the truth.
— Пожалуйста, скажи мне правду.
She told us to open our books.
— Она сказала нам открыть учебники.
3. Полезные советы
Если в предложении есть ответ на вопрос «кому?», чаще используется tell.
Если важен сам текст сообщения, чаще используется say.
Конструкцию tell somebody to do something следует запоминать как устойчивую модель.
Выражения tell the truth, tell a lie, say hello, say goodbye лучше учить целиком.
Story
Last week our English teacher said that we would have a surprise speaking task. She did not say what the topic would be, so everyone felt nervous. Some students said it would be about school life, while others said it might be about future plans.
Before the lesson, my best friend told me that he had prepared a short story about his dream job. He told me his main ideas and asked for advice. I said that his idea was interesting and told him to speak more confidently.
When the lesson began, the teacher told us to choose a random card. My card said «An Important Decision». At first, I did not know what to say. Then I remembered a real situation from my life and decided to tell the class about it. I told them how I had to choose between sports and music school.
After my speech, the teacher said I had made good points. She told me to work on my pronunciation. Her feedback gave me confidence. Later, my friend said he felt proud of himself. He told me that regular practice helps to speak more clearly.
That day I understood that it is important not only to say something, but also to tell people your ideas clearly.
Useful Words and Expressions
surprise speaking task — неожиданное устное задание
topic — тема
feel nervous — чувствовать волнение
future plans — планы на будущее
dream job — работа мечты
main ideas — основные идеи
ask for advice — просить совета
speak confidently — говорить уверенно
random card — случайная карточка
at first — сначала
real situation — реальная ситуация
choose between — выбирать между
make good points — приводить веские аргументы
pronunciation — произношение
feedback — обратная связь
give confidence — придавать уверенность
regular practice — регулярная практика
clearly — ясно, чётко
Exercises
Exercise 1. Fill in the blanks (say or tell)
She ______ me the truth yesterday.
He ______ that he was tired.
Please ______ us what happened.
She ______ hello to everyone.
He ______ me to wait outside.
They ______ that the exam was easy.
My parents ______ me a story.
What did she ______ to you?
Exercise 2. Choose the correct answer
She (said / told) that she was busy.
He (said / told) me the news.
They (said / told) hello to the teacher.
She (said / told) us to open our books.
He (said / told) a lie.
I (said / told) that I agreed.
Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2–3 sentences)
Have you ever told someone an important secret? How did you feel?
What do teachers usually tell students before an exam?
When was the last time you said something you later regretted?
Who do you usually tell about your problems?
Why is it important to say your opinion clearly?
Answer Key
Exercise 1
told
said
tell
said
told
said
told
say
Exercise 2
said
told
said
told
told
said
Exercise 3 — Sample Answers
Yes, I once told my friend an important secret. I felt nervous at first, but later I felt relieved because I trusted that person.
Teachers usually tell students to stay calm and read the tasks carefully. They often tell them to manage their time wisely.
The last time I said something I regretted was during an argument. I spoke too quickly without thinking. Later I apologized.
I usually tell my close friend about my problems. I trust this person and value their advice.
It is important to say your opinion clearly because people cannot understand you otherwise. Clear communication helps to avoid misunderstandings.
Mini Memory Tips
Tell + someone + something
Say + something
Tell someone to do something — устойчивая модель
Запоминайте устойчивые выражения целиком.
