tell vs speak

The phrases 'tell' and 'speak' are both correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Tell' is used when conveying information or giving instructions, while 'speak' is used when referring to the act of communicating verbally. They are not interchangeable and should be used based on the specific context.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1319 views

The word 'tell' is correct and commonly used in English when conveying information or giving instructions.

"tell"

Use 'tell' when you want to inform someone about something or give them instructions. It is followed by the person you are speaking to or the information being conveyed.

Examples:

Tell me about your trip.
Can you tell me how to get to the library?
She told him the news.

Show examples from the web [+]

Go and tell Callahan there's looters everywhere.
If you tell anyone about this...
Your decorations should tell a story.
Couldn't tell the story without you.
I just wanted to tell someone.
Let me tell you something you already know.
Don't tell anyone, especially Bartowski.
I should probably tell my mum I'm immortal.
We agreed not to tell anyone.
He will tell your husband about us.
Honey, tell Tonny what Charlotte said yesterday.
Let me tell you something people...
Even liars tell the truth occasionally.
Guess maybe Tara did tell somebody.
Just stories people tell around the campfire.
Maybe he was told not to tell anyone.
All I can tell you is...
Ultrasound, but tell the boys traffic.
Perhaps, but someone must tell Gideon the truth.
You investigate what I tell you.

Alternatives:

inform
instruct
say
explain
describe

The word 'speak' is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the act of communicating verbally.

"speak"

Use 'speak' when referring to the act of talking or communicating verbally. It is often followed by about what is being spoken or to whom.

Examples:

I need to speak with you about the project.
She spoke eloquently at the conference.
He spoke to the audience about his research.

Show examples from the web [+]

Prisoners must speak only when spoken to.
One of our sailors could speak rudimentary Vietnamese.
He didn't dare speak up.
Young Edward lives-think now what I would speak.
You speak English, a futured language.
Who defends persecuted speak in Our Office.
Please speak slowly and be precise.
You know Brazilians don't speak Spanish.
How you speak without saying anything.
Acts and actions speak louder than your blood origin.
My sister and her family only speak Quechua.
Only language I speak is American.
Generally, people speak after something like that.
People born in America speak English.
I wondered whether we should speak again.
We just speak different love languages.
Please speak English to the ambassador's secretary.
I speak frequently with the Pope.
I like people who speak openly.
Ambitious Warwick, let thy betters speak.

Alternatives:

talk
communicate
converse
discuss
address

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tell vs speak

"tell"

"speak"

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