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Tell me what it is

🇬🇧 UK //tɛl miː wɒt ɪt ɪz// 🇺🇸 US //tɛl mi wʌt ɪt ɪz//

Meaning of Tell me what it is

A request for someone to explain or describe something.

In simple words: Ask someone to explain something.

Tell me what it is in a sentence

• When you see that painting, you want to say, 'Tell me what it is.'
• During the lecture, I raised my hand and asked, 'Can you tell me what it is?'
• 'Tell me what it is,' he urged, pointing at the ancient artifact.
• I was confused by the device and wanted my friend to tell me what it is.
• In the meeting, I turned to my colleague and said, 'Tell me what it is you're suggesting.'

How to use Tell me what it is

Use this phrase when you want someone to provide information. It's suitable in most situations but may seem informal in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone request

Memory hint

Imagine you're at a science fair, pointing at a strange device and asking, 'Tell me what it is!'

Related words

Collocations with Tell me what it is

• tell me what it is about
• tell me what it is for
• tell me what it is then
• can you tell me what it is
• tell me what it is like

Synonyms for Tell me what it is

• explain it
• describe it
• clarify
• inform me
• tell me about it

Common mistakes with Tell me what it is

• Confused with asking for personal opinions instead of information.
• Omitting the context for clarity when asking.
• Using a different tense that sounds awkward.

Frequently asked questions about Tell me what it is

What does Tell me what it is mean?

Ask someone to explain something.

What is the definition of Tell me what it is?

A request for someone to explain or describe something.

How do you use Tell me what it is in a sentence?

When you see that painting, you want to say, 'Tell me what it is.'

Can you give another example of Tell me what it is?

During the lecture, I raised my hand and asked, 'Can you tell me what it is?'

What are synonyms for Tell me what it is?

Common alternatives include explain it, describe it, clarify, inform me, tell me about it.

What words go with Tell me what it is?

It commonly pairs with tell me what it is about, tell me what it is for, tell me what it is then, can you tell me what it is, tell me what it is like.

What are common mistakes when using Tell me what it is?

Confused with asking for personal opinions instead of information. Omitting the context for clarity when asking. Using a different tense that sounds awkward.

How do you pronounce Tell me what it is?

US: //tɛl mi wʌt ɪt ɪz//, UK: //tɛl miː wɒt ɪt ɪz//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Tell me what it is?

Use this phrase when you want someone to provide information. It's suitable in most situations but may seem informal in very formal contexts.