Cool MateTell me about it vs What was it like
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Tell me about it
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
What was it like
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: What was it like
| Tell me about it | What was it like | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //tɛl mi əˈbaʊt ɪt//🇺🇸 //tɛl mi əˈbaʊt ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt wəz ɪt laɪk//🇺🇸 //wɑt wəz ɪt laɪk// |
| Meaning | Say more about something. | how was the experience |
| Example | I heard you went on a trip! Tell me about it! | What was it like to climb Mount Everest? |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | tell me more, tell me everything, tell me their story | what was it like to, what was it like in, what was it like for |
| 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. | Forgetting to use 'it' in the phrase., Using 'was' when talking about present experiences., Confusing it with 'how was it?' |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations to invite someone to elaborate. Not suitable for formal contexts like business meetings. | Use inquiring about experiences or impressions. Best for conversations and storytelling. Avoid in very formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Tell me about it vs What was it like
What's the difference between Tell me about it and What was it like?
Tell me about it: Say more about something. What was it like: how was the experience
Which is more formal: Tell me about it and What was it like?
What was it like 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! What was it like: What was it like to climb Mount Everest?
Can I use Tell me about it and What was it like interchangeably?
Not always. Tell me about it and What was it like 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.