SAY vs. TELL

Good morning,

Today we look at one more Daily Vitamin about vocabulary from the last CommunicACTION English Immersion in Viladrau.

One of the most common errors amongst Spanish-speaking English students is the confusion between the two verbs say and tell (decir). So, what is the difference?

SAY
In general, say only has one object.

Structure --> SAY  (THAT)  SOMETHING

Example 1:
Mike said that he would vote for Obama, but in the end he voted for Hillary Clinton. I can't believe it!

Example 2:
When I asked Kelly if she wanted to go to dinner tonight, she said yes. I'm very happy!

TELL
In general, tell must have TWO objects.

Structure --> TELL  PERSON  SOMETHING
or
Structure --> TELL  SOMETHING  TO PERSON

Example 3:
Mike told me that he would vote for Obama, but in the end he voted for Hillary Clinton. I can't believe it!

Compare example 3 with example 1. You may not say **"Mike said me..."** It sounds horrible, and it is incorrect.

If you have any questions about say and tell, please post them in the Daily Vitamin Plus! forum section on our website and I will tell you everything I know.

Remember that tomorrow we will send the Essential Weekly Vitamin for beginner-level Spanish-speaking English students.

Enjoy your day!