"you have to say" vs "Then you can tell"

Question

"you have to say" vs "Then you can tell"

The phrases 'then you can tell' and 'you have to say' have different meanings and contexts. 'Then you can tell' implies that after a certain event or action, you will be able to discern or understand something. 'You have to say' is a directive indicating that someone must express or communicate something. These phrases are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is a directive indicating that someone must express or communicate something. It is used to convey a requirement or obligation to speak.

Examples:

You have to say what you mean if you want others to understand you.
In the meeting, you have to say your opinion on the matter.
If you know the answer, you have to say it out loud.
As a witness, you have to say what you saw at the scene.
When asked a question, you have to say the truth.

This phrase is used to indicate that after a particular event or action, you will be able to discern or understand something. It implies a cause-and-effect relationship.

Examples:

Wait for the cake to cool down, then you can tell if it's ready to be frosted.
Let me finish my story, then you can tell me what you think.
Once you see the evidence, then you can tell who is responsible.
After the experiment is completed, then you can tell if the hypothesis was correct.
Once the movie ends, then you can tell me if you liked it.

Answer 1

you have to say

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

Then you can tell

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"you have to say" vs "Then you can tell"

you have to say

Then you can tell

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