Tell and Say Hello again everybody! I have another doubt about these two verbs "Tell" and "Say". What is the right form to say this sentence: I told to Peter that... I said to Peter that... I told Pe

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Rocío G.

Tell and Say Hello again everybody! I have another doubt about these two verbs "Tell" and "Say". What is the right form to say this sentence: I told to Peter that... I said to Peter that... I told Peter that... I don't know if I have to use "to" always that I want to use the verb "tell" or if the meaning of these two verbs is the same. Could you help me, please? Thank you all!

Corrections · 6

Tell and Say

Hello again everybody! I have another doubt about these two verbs "Tell" and "Say". What is the right form to use in these sentences:
I told to Peter that... (incorrect because of the 'to')
I said to Peter that... (correct)
I told Peter that... (correct)

I don't know if I have to use "to" always when I want to use the verb "tell" or if the meaning of these two verbs is the same. Could you help me, please? Thank you all!

Rocio, the meaning of these two words is very similar. We can say "He told her" and "He said to her". We add the 'to' with 'said', but not with 'told'.

'Told' is used like the words 'informed' or 'explained'. "He told me that his job was difficult" which is more similar to 'informed' or 'explained'. Compared to, "He said to me that his job was difficult", which is more of a casual way of speaking. There are always exceptions in English, as there are in all languages, but I hope this helps. If you have more doubts, let me know.

The correct selection is: I told Peter that..... (better choice) I said to Peter that..... The guys are correct..........

I agree with Ronan - good explanation. I would also add that I would prefer "I told Peter that..." rather than "I said to Peter that...". Both are OK but I would say the first and not really the second. I'm not sure of the technical reason why as I am not a teacher. But as a native English speaker it sounds better.

Thank you, Ronan! So, it is the same if I say " I told Peter that... " or " I said to Peter that... ", isn't it?

The only incorrect one there is "I told to Peter". The difference is that "Say" really just means to speak, not necessarily with another person. That is why you need to add the "to". As in "I said to Peter" To tell means you spoke to someone. In this instance you don't need the "to" because it is implied that there was a person listening. So you just add the name of the person. As in "I told Peter". Hope that helps :-)

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