"tell the difference" vs "say the difference"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

spot the difference
distinguish between
differentiate
discern the difference

Answer 1

tell the difference

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

say the difference

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

"tell the difference" vs "say the difference"

tell the difference

say the difference

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