Understanding the Difference Between Say, Tell, Said and Speak with Simple Examples

Enjoying a conversation with a loved one

Learning English can be tricky, especially when words look similar but have different uses. Many learners confuse say, tell, said, and speak because they all relate to talking or communicating. This article explains the differences clearly, with easy examples to help you use these words correctly.

Using Speak and Tell Correctly

How to Use Say

Say is used when you want to report the exact words someone spoke. It focuses on the words themselves, not the listener.

• Use say when you mention the words someone else said.

• It often appears with that or with direct speech in quotes.

  
  

Examples:

• I heard her say, "I am happy."

• I don't want to say that he is a bad person, but he made some bad choices.

• What did you say? - I said "How are you?"

  
  

Notice that say does not need an object (the person who listens) after it.

How to Use Tell

Tell means to give information or instructions to someone. It always needs a listener (an object).

• Use tell when you want to show who receives the information.

• It is often followed by a person or pronoun.

  
  

Examples:

• I told him the truth.

• Please tell me your name.

• She told us a story.

  
  

You cannot say tell that without a person. For example, tell him that is correct, but tell that is not.

I want to tell him that I care about him.

She told him that she was sorry.

What is Said?

Said is the past tense of say. Use it when talking about something someone spoke in the past.

Examples:

• He said he was tired.

• They said, "We will help you."

• What did she say yesterday?

  
  

Remember, said works like say but for past events.

When to Use Speak

Speak is more formal and focuses on the act of talking or having a conversation. It often means to talk in general or to a group.

• Use speak when talking about language ability or formal conversations.

• It can be followed by a language or a person.

  
  

Examples:

• Can you speak English?

• She spoke to the manager.

• We will speak at the meeting.

• I would like you to speak at the event. (A presentation for people to listen to).

  
  

Unlike say and tell, speak does not usually show the exact words.

Speak or 'a speech' is often used as a shorter way of explaining that someone with knowledge on a particular subject is going to give us a presentation , or give advice on that subject.

'I have been invited to give a speech at an event for English teachers.'

'I heard a fantastic woman speak at the Women in Business event.'

Tips to Remember

• Use say when focusing on words.

• Use tell when focusing on the listener.

• Use said for past tense of say.

• Use speak for formal talking or language ability.

Recently I had a student who said during a lesson "as you told earlier", however this is not quite right - when we tell someone something the focus is on the information that someone has told to someone else.

In cases like this, we would always say "as you said earlier", or even "as you mentioned earlier".