"I told him that" vs "I said to him"

Question

"I told him that" vs "I said to him"

Both "I said to him" and "I told him that" are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "I said to him" is more commonly used in direct speech to report what was said, while "I told him that" is used to convey information or give instructions. The choice between the two depends on the specific situation and the type of communication being reported.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

This phrase is used to report information or instructions that were given to someone. It is a more formal way to communicate details or facts.

Examples:

I told him that the meeting was canceled.
She told him that she would be late.
He told her that he couldn't come.

Alternatives:

I said to him
I informed him that
I mentioned to him that
I expressed to him that
I communicated to him that

This phrase is typically used in direct speech to report conversations or statements made to someone. It is a straightforward way to convey dialogue or quotes.

Examples:

I said to him, 'I'll be there at 3 o'clock.'
She said to him, 'Please pass me the salt.'
He said to her, 'I love you.'

Alternatives:

I told him
I informed him
I mentioned to him
I expressed to him
I communicated to him

Answer 1

I told him that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when conveying information or giving instructions.

Answer 2

I said to him

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in direct speech to report what was said.

"I told him that" vs "I said to him"

I told him that

I said to him

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