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Common errors in English: Usage of Say and Tell

 Say and Tell


Incorrect: He said me a story.


Correct : He told me a story.


Incorrect : She told that she would go home. 


Correct : She said that she would go home.


Note: "Say" is not followed by anybody spoken to. In indirect speech it is followed by a direct object.

But “tell" is often followed by an indirect object referring to the person spoken to. You can say:


He says his prayers regularly. 

She said goodbye to us. 

They said nothing about me.

It is said that............ 

He always tells the truth/a lie. 

She told me a story. 

Can you please tell the time? 

Please tell me your name. 

He told me a Secret.

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