tell vs telling

Both 'tell' and 'telling' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Tell' is a verb that is used to give information or instructions to someone, while 'telling' can be a verb form (present participle) or an adjective. 'Telling' as a verb form is used to indicate an ongoing action, while 'telling' as an adjective is used to describe something that reveals or indicates something important.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1747 views

The word 'tell' is a verb that is used to give information or instructions to someone.

"tell"

Use 'tell' when you want to inform or instruct someone about something. It is followed by a direct object or a person to whom the information is being given.

Examples:

Can you tell me the time?
She told him to be careful.

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
communicate
advise

The word 'telling' can be a verb form (present participle) or an adjective. As a verb form, it indicates an ongoing action, and as an adjective, it describes something that reveals or indicates something important.

"telling"

Use 'telling' as a verb form when you want to indicate an ongoing action. Use it as an adjective to describe something that reveals or indicates something important.

Examples:

She is telling a story.
His expression was very telling.

Show examples from the web [+]

You're telling us half-truths again.
Assuming his girlfriend's telling the truth.
I'm telling you man has risen again.
I left home without telling anyone.
Start telling the truth... Stefan.
Probably telling me I'm overstimulated.
Pupillary constrictions indicate he's telling the truth.
There is no telling what might happen.
I'm telling you this as familia.
And don't disappear without telling somebody.
You disappeared for over two weeks without telling anyone.
We will be faithful to our mandate by telling the truth about what happens.
Stop telling everyone I need someone to get me pregnant.
My body's telling me several things.
I'm telling you, she was incredibly strong.
Asking is different than telling and that sounded like telling to me.
Like telling your mother your father's secrets and telling your dad that you're angry with him.
I wasn't telling her. I was telling you.
You stop telling lies about me, I'll stop telling the truth about you.
Mr Dutta went walkabout without telling anyone.

Alternatives:

revealing
indicating
describing
expressive
significant

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tell vs telling

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