TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

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 • 3263 views

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.
  • May 9, 2015 ... Snek Vince 3 months ago · http://rebornica.tumblr.com/post/121623086994/ rebornica-yea-you-tell-the-time-ft. Read more Show less. 1 ...
  • Dec 8, 2012 ... Learn To Tell The Time On Clock - Telling Time for Children - What's The Time? - Nursery Rhymes - Duration: 24:02. by Geethanjali - Nursery ...
  • Telling the Time. To tell the time means to say what the time is, perhaps after somebody asks the time. Asking the time. Here are some phrases you can use ...
  • We use am and pm to help us tell the time. am means it is morning time from midnight to 12:00 in. the middle of the day. Pm means it is afternoon time from 12: 00 ...

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.
  • It's a calendar. And it's so much more! Say the Time will help you to manage your time better than ever before — you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.
  • If you're the type of person who looses track of time when you're online, maybe you need a different type of clock - a speaking clock! Say the Time is a cheerful ...
  • Free & fast download; Always available; Tested virus-free. Alternative Say the Time download from external server (availability not guaranteed) ...
  • Say the Time makes personal time management fun and easy! Create recurring reminders and alarms for all your important dates and events. Jot down thoughts  ...

Alternatives:

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

Related Comparisons

prolong the time vs extend the time what time vs What the time the whole time vs for the entire time to ask the time vs to ask for the time the definite time vs a definite time make the time vs make time

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!