Cool MateDescribe vs Tell me all about it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Describe
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Tell me all about it
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: DescribeMost common: Describe
| Describe | Tell me all about it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈskraɪb/","/dɪˈskraɪbz/","/dɪˈskraɪbd/","/dɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈskraɪb/","/dɪˈskraɪbz/","/dɪˈskraɪbd/","/dɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //tɛl mi ɔːl əˈbaʊt ɪt//🇺🇸 //tɛl mi ɔl əˈbaʊt ɪt// |
| Meaning | To say what something is like in detail. | Say everything regarding a topic. |
| Example | Can you describe the beautiful landscape you saw yesterday? | When you return from your trip, just tell me all about it! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | accurately, exactly, in detail, cannot, be difficult to, be hard to | tell me everything, tell me more, tell all, tell stories, tell me your thoughts |
| Antonyms | suppress, hide, obscure | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'prescribe' which means to authorize the use of something., Using 'describe' without an object, like saying 'I describe.', Using incorrect tense or forms, e.g., 'described' instead of 'describe' for present actions. | Learners use a formal tone when this phrase is informal., Overuse in formal situations where detailed reporting is needed., Omit the 'tell me' making it sound incomplete. |
| Usage notes | Use 'describe' when you want to explain features or characteristics of something. It's suitable for formal or informal contexts but avoid using it in very casual settings where simpler words may suffice. | Use this phrase to ask someone for a detailed description. It's friendly and casual, suitable among friends or in informal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Describe vs Tell me all about it
What's the difference between Describe and Tell me all about it?
Describe: To say what something is like in detail. Tell me all about it: Say everything regarding a topic.
Which is more formal: Describe and Tell me all about it?
Describe is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Describe and Tell me all about it?
Describe is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Describe: Can you describe the beautiful landscape you saw yesterday? Tell me all about it: When you return from your trip, just tell me all about it!
Can I use Describe and Tell me all about it interchangeably?
Not always. Describe and Tell me all about it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.