Cool MateTell me about it vs Tell me what it is
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Tell me about it
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Tell me what it is
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Tell me what it is
| Tell me about it | Tell me what it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //tɛl mi əˈbaʊt ɪt//🇺🇸 //tɛl mi əˈbaʊt ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //tɛl miː wɒt ɪt ɪz//🇺🇸 //tɛl mi wʌt ɪt ɪz// |
| Meaning | Say more about something. | Ask someone to explain something. |
| Example | I heard you went on a trip! Tell me about it! | When you see that painting, you want to say, 'Tell me what it is.' |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | tell me more, tell me everything, tell me their story | 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 |
| Common mistakes | Using it in formal situations where a more serious response is needed., Confusing it with 'tell me about that,' which is more specific., Omitting context, making the phrase confusing without prior information. | Confused with asking for personal opinions instead of information., Omitting the context for clarity when asking., Using a different tense that sounds awkward. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations to invite someone to elaborate. Not suitable for formal contexts like business meetings. | Use this phrase when you want someone to provide information. It's suitable in most situations but may seem informal in very formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Tell me about it vs Tell me what it is
What's the difference between Tell me about it and Tell me what it is?
Tell me about it: Say more about something. Tell me what it is: Ask someone to explain something.
Which is more formal: Tell me about it and Tell me what it is?
Tell me what it is is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Tell me about it: I heard you went on a trip! Tell me about it! Tell me what it is: When you see that painting, you want to say, 'Tell me what it is.'
Can I use Tell me about it and Tell me what it is interchangeably?
Not always. Tell me about it and Tell me what it is 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.