tell the time vs say the time

Both 'tell the time' and 'say the time' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Tell the time' is more commonly used when someone is indicating the current time on a clock or watch, while 'say the time' is less common and may be used in a more general sense. Both phrases are acceptable depending on the context in which they are used.

Last updated: March 17, 2024

tell the time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when indicating the current time on a clock or watch.

This phrase is used when someone is indicating the current time on a clock or watch. It is a common and natural way to express this action.

Examples:

Can you tell the time? It's almost 3 o'clock.
I can tell the time by looking at the clock on the wall.
She asked me to tell the time because her watch had stopped.
He can tell the time accurately without needing to check his watch.
The teacher taught the students how to tell the time using an analog clock.

Alternatives:

read the time
indicate the time
show the time
state the time
announce the time

say the time

This phrase is also correct in English, but it is less common and may be used in a more general sense.

This phrase can be used to ask someone to verbally state the current time, but it is less common than 'tell the time.' It is still understandable and acceptable in certain contexts.

Examples:

Can you say the time out loud? I can't see the clock.
She always forgets to say the time when asked.
He said the time was 4:30, but I think it's later than that.
Please say the time so I can write it down.
The radio host said the time every hour during the show.

Alternatives:

tell the time
state the time
announce the time
share the time
communicate the time

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tell the time vs say the time

tell the time

say the time

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