Cool MateDisclose vs Tell
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Disclose
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1verb
Tell
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Most formal: DiscloseMost common: Tell
| Disclose | Tell | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪsˈkləʊz//🇺🇸 //dɪsˈkloʊz// | 🇬🇧 /["/tel/","/telz/","/təʊld/","/ˈtelɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tel/","/telz/","/təʊld/","/ˈtelɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To make something known or public | to say information to someone |
| Example | The company decided to disclose its financial results to the public. | I want to tell you a secret. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | disclose information, disclose a secret, disclose details | bluntly, curtly, flatly, want to, be going to, try to, about, of, to, firmly, sternly |
| Antonyms | conceal, hide | hide, withhold, suppress |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'clothe' - 'disclose' does not involve clothing., Incorrect verb form - using 'discloser' instead of 'disclose'. | Saying 'tell to' instead of just 'tell'., Using 'tell' without a direct object., Confusing 'tell' with 'say' in contexts where direction is implied. |
| Usage notes | Used primarily in formal contexts, such as legal or business environments. Avoid in casual conversation. | Use 'tell' when you inform someone about something. It's neutral and suitable for most contexts. Avoid using it in overly formal writing; instead, use 'inform' or 'notify'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Disclose vs Tell
What's the difference between Disclose and Tell?
Disclose: To make something known or public Tell: to say information to someone
Which is more formal: Disclose and Tell?
Disclose is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Disclose and Tell?
Tell is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Disclose and Tell?
Disclose is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Disclose and Tell the same CEFR level?
Disclose: C1, Tell: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Disclose and Tell?
Disclose: verb, Tell: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Disclose: The company decided to disclose its financial results to the public. Tell: I want to tell you a secret.
Can I use Disclose and Tell interchangeably?
Not always. Disclose and Tell 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.