A1verb 1K

Tell

🇬🇧 UK /["/tel/","/telz/","/təʊld/","/ˈtelɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/tel/","/telz/","/təʊld/","/ˈtelɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Tell

to give information to somebody by speaking or writing

In simple words: to say information to someone

Tell in a sentence

• I want to tell you a secret.
• Can you tell me the time?
• She will tell a story about her vacation.
• He can tell when someone is lying.
• Please tell your friend to be quiet.
• I can't tell which dress is nicer.
• It’s hard to tell the difference between the twins.
• Tell me how you did that!

How to use Tell

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'.

Grammar pattern

tell + object + information

Memory hint

Think of 'tell' as 'to yell information' — you're sharing words loudly.

Related words

Collocations with Tell

• bluntly
• curtly
• flatly
• want to
• be going to
• try to
• about
• of
• to
• firmly
• sternly

Synonyms for Tell

• inform
• notify
• reveal
• disclose
• communicate

Opposites of Tell

• hide
• withhold
• suppress

Common mistakes with Tell

• Saying 'tell to' instead of just 'tell'.
• Using 'tell' without a direct object.
• Confusing 'tell' with 'say' in contexts where direction is implied.

Frequently asked questions about Tell

What does Tell mean?

to say information to someone

What is the definition of Tell?

to give information to somebody by speaking or writing

How do you use Tell in a sentence?

I want to tell you a secret.

Can you give another example of Tell?

Can you tell me the time?

What are synonyms for Tell?

Common alternatives include inform, notify, reveal, disclose, communicate.

What is the opposite of Tell?

Opposite meanings include hide, withhold, suppress.

What words go with Tell?

It commonly pairs with bluntly, curtly, flatly, want to, be going to, try to, about, of, to, firmly, sternly.

What are common mistakes when using Tell?

Saying 'tell to' instead of just 'tell'. Using 'tell' without a direct object. Confusing 'tell' with 'say' in contexts where direction is implied.

How do you pronounce Tell?

US: /["/tel/","/telz/","/təʊld/","/ˈtelɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/tel/","/telz/","/təʊld/","/ˈtelɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Tell?

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'.

What CEFR level is Tell?

"Tell" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.