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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 • 1716 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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