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 • 3093 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"tell the difference"

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

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

"say the difference"

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?"

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

tell the difference vs say the difference