tell the difference vs say the difference

Both 'tell the difference' and 'say the difference' are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Tell the difference' is used when you want someone to explain or identify the distinctions between two or more things, while 'say the difference' is not a standard phrase in English. Therefore, 'tell the difference' is the correct and more commonly used phrase.

Last updated: March 17, 2024 • 2878 views

tell the difference

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when you want someone to explain or identify the distinctions between two or more things.

Examples:

Can you tell the difference between these two paintings?
It's hard to tell the difference between the twins.
I can easily tell the difference between real and fake jewelry.

Show examples from the web [+]

I hope I can tell the difference.
You only need a tongue to tell the difference.
But sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
And I can tell the difference.
I don't think you'll be able to tell the difference.
Used to be a lot easier to tell the difference.
I want to see if we can tell the difference.
I couldn't tell the difference.
You can tell the difference actually because Brownie costumes don't look like this.
And sometimes you can't... tell the difference.
Although in Paris, it's hard to tell the difference.
How could you not tell the difference?
Now, unfortunately, there is a lot of new physics whose signature could be missing energy, so it will be hard to tell the difference.
but see if you can tell the difference.
When this shipment mingles with the real shots, No one will be able to tell the difference.
Put a fake beard on you, some sunglasses, be hard to tell the difference.
When this shipment mingles with the real shots, no one will be able to tell the difference.
You can tell the difference actually because
And the more I thought about it, I couldn't think of a good answer for how he could tell the difference.
In Germany, they made one small change without checking with me - nor did they have to, because it was done through agencies - but see if you can tell the difference.

Alternatives:

spot the difference
distinguish between
differentiate
discern the difference

say the difference

This phrase is not a standard or commonly used expression in English.

Show examples from the web [+]

You know what they say the difference is? Tom:
You know what they say the difference is between a hockey mom and a pit bull?
Daddy always says the only difference between a success and a failure...
Daddy always says the only difference between a success and a failure... is that a success knows an opportunity when he sees it, and a failure doesn't.
In the European Union there are 65 million people living on less than 60% of the national average income, to say nothing of the differences within the Member States.
I say we split the difference and call it a date.
Jane Goodall hasn't found the missing link, but she's come closer than nearly anyone else. The primatologist says the only real difference between humans and chimps is our sophisticated language. She urges us to start using it to change the world.
- Let's say 17 and split the difference.
She says flowers make all the difference.
I would also like to say that the differences that may exist between the report we are discussing today and the version I would have preferred do not prevent me from approving it in its entirety.
I think it is important to say that the difference here is not about whether we want to protect users, but about whether we respect the Member States' right to decide on their own legal systems.
A linear mixed statistical model shall be used for calculation of the confidence limits for both tests (that is to say, the difference and equivalence tests); a slightly different model shall be used to estimate the equivalence limits to be used in the equivalence test.
Did he say mediate or split the difference?
Please say we can tell the difference between wool and side arms.
What would you say is the main difference in this year's team?
Because of what you say and because of the difference in the testing procedures, which cannot be agreed, it is going to take some time.
What did he say about your knowing the difference between right and wrong?
I say: What is the difference between him and the Royal Ulster Constabulary men who fought and died to guard the people of Northern Ireland?
My kid used to say, What's the difference?
I always say "What's the difference?"

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tell the difference vs say the difference