what they say vs what they tell

Both 'what they say' and 'what they tell' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'What they say' is more commonly used to refer to general statements or opinions, while 'what they tell' is used when referring to specific information or instructions given by someone.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 824 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"what they say"

This phrase is used to refer to general statements, opinions, or beliefs expressed by people.

Examples:

I don't always believe what they say in the news.
It's important to listen to what they say and consider their perspective.
What they say may not always be true.

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Your tattoos, that's what they say.
Well, then... you should probably listen to what they say.
That's what they say, the poets.
That's what they say about him.
Do what they say, Brady.
That's what they say at FIST.
A lot of what they say is true.
At least that's what they say.
That's what they say, Chani.
And you are not what they say.
Unless what they say about Martinez is true.
I cannot accept that we become what they say of us.
That's what they say about a puppy.
That's what they say about us.
Do what they say, don't fight them.
You just need to listen to what they say.
That's what they say about a puppy.
At least that's what they say.
You seemed to believe what they say.
Yes, what they say about you is true.

Alternatives:

what people say
what others say
what is said

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"what they tell"

This phrase is used when referring to specific information, instructions, or details provided by someone.

Examples:

I wonder what they will tell us about the project.
Let's see what they tell us in the meeting.
I'm curious about what they will tell the press.

Show examples from the web [+]

That's what they tell you.
That's what they tell us.
No matter what they tell you, you just say you don't know what the condition is. Okay.
You know what they tell you to do when you're driving on a slippery surface and you lose control?
No matter what they tell us at church.
Only a few people have seen him and lived to tell about it, and what they tell is nasty.
Don't believe what they tell you.
You believe what they tell you.
If you want to help, do exactly what they tell you.
Look, do what they tell you to do. I have a lot of calls to make.
And you'll do what they tell you.
Caroline, you don't have to do what they tell you.
You wear what they tell you to wear.
That's what they tell me.
That's what they tell me.
That's what they tell us.
That's what they tell me.
That's what they tell me.
At least, that's what they tell me.
Do not trust what they tell you.

Alternatives:

what they inform
what they share
what they communicate

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what they say vs what they tell

"what they say"

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