What is tell? Pronunciation and usage in English

tell means . Learn how to pronounce and use tell through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of tell

tellverb

/tɛl/
Definition & pronunciation of tell

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "tell" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈtel (stress on the first syllable)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈ (This symbol indicates primary stress - meaning this syllable is spoken with more emphasis)
  • tel - This part sounds like "teh-l" (rhymes with "bell")

Here's a more detailed explanation and how to articulate the sounds:

  1. The "te" sound: This is a short, quick "t" followed by a very short "e" sound. It’s almost like you're just saying "t" and then quickly "eh." Think of it as a quick, clipped sound.

  2. The "l" sound: This is a standard "l" sound – a light, quick tap of the tongue against the roof of your mouth.

Resources to hear it:

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them:

  • Saying "teh-l" with a long "e" sound: The "e" in "tell" is a short, quick "eh" sound. Don’t fully elongate the vowel.
  • Adding an extra "r" sound: “Tell” doesn’t have an “r” sound.

To practice:

Say the word slowly, emphasizing the first syllable. Record yourself and compare it to the examples above.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using the word "tell"?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (like the "te" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word tell in English

Let's break down how to use the word "tell" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple ways to use it! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb – Giving Information (Most Common Use)

  • Basic Definition: To impart information to someone.
    • "Tell me your name." (Requesting information)
    • "I told her about the surprise party." (Sharing information)
    • "Can you tell me the time?" (Asking for information)

2. Phrases Starting with "Tell" – Specific Meanings

These phrases often have a more nuanced meaning than just "telling" in the simple sense.

  • Tell someone something: This often implies persuasion, advice, or a recommendation.

    • "Tell him to be careful." (Giving advice)
    • "Tell her that color looks great on you." (Offering a compliment/recommendation)
    • "Tell your mother I said hello." (Requesting someone to convey a message)

  • Tell on someone: To reveal a secret about someone else to an authority figure (like a teacher or parent).

    • "Don't tell on your brother!" (Don't reveal his secret)

  • Tell off someone: (British English, increasingly common in American English) To scold or reprimand someone angrily.

    • "He told her off for being rude."

  • Tell a story: To narrate a tale.

    • "She told us a fascinating story about her travels."

  • Tell a joke: To share a humorous story.

    • "He told a funny joke and everyone laughed."

3. "Tell" as a Verb – Expressing Emotion or Reaction

  • Tell (someone) how you feel: To express your emotions.

    • "I need to tell you how much I appreciate you."
    • "She told him how hurt she was."

  • Tell (yourself) a story: To create a narrative in your mind – often about a situation you’re trying to make sense of.

    • “I’m telling myself it’s just a bad dream.”

4. "Tell" as Part of a Verb Phrase

  • Tell someone that...: This is a common pattern.

    • “Tell her that you’re coming.”
    • “Tell him that the meeting is canceled.”

  • Tell on someone (as a verb): Similar to “tell on” above, but used more broadly.

    • "He told on his friend for cheating."

  • Tell off (as a verb): Same as the phrase.

    • “My boss told me off for being late.”

5. "Tell" as a Verb – To Measure (Less Common)

  • Tell time: To indicate the time.
    • "I need to tell the time."

Here's a table summarizing the main uses:

Use Meaning Example
Basic To give information "Tell me the answer."
Phrase Give advice/recommendation "Tell him to be careful."
Phrase Reveal a secret "Don't tell on your friend."
Phrase Scold someone angrily (British/US) "He told her off."
Verb Phrase Narrate a tale "She told a story about her trip."
Verb Phrase Express feelings "I told him how I felt."
Verb Phrase Measure time “Tell the time on the clock.”

Tips for Using “Tell” Correctly:

  • Consider the context: The specific meaning of “tell” depends heavily on the surrounding words.
  • "Tell that someone" is common: Using “that” after “tell” creates a clear statement of what’s being communicated.
  • Pay attention to idioms: Phrases like "tell on" and "tell off" are idiomatic and have specific meanings you need to learn.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you finding tricky about using "tell"? (e.g., "I'm not sure when to use 'tell' versus 'say'," or "I want to use it more naturally in conversation.")

Synonyms for the word tell

Idioms of the word tell

all told
with all people, etc. counted and included
  • There are 52 people coming, all told.
don’t tell me
(informal)used to say that you know or can guess what somebody is going to say, especially because it is typical of them
  • Don't tell me you were late again!
hear tell (of something)
(old-fashioned or formal)to hear people talking about something
  • I've often heard tell of such things.
if (the) truth be known/told
used to tell somebody the true facts about a situation, especially when these are not known by other people
  • If the truth be known, I was afraid to tell anyone.
I tell a lie
(British English, informal)used to say that something you have just said is not true or correct
  • We first met in 2006, no, I tell a lie, it was 2007.
I tell you | I can tell you | I’m telling you
(informal)used to emphasize what you are saying, especially when it is surprising or difficult to believe
  • It isn't cheap, I can tell you!
  • I'm telling you, that's exactly what she said.
I/I’ll tell you what
(informal)used to introduce a suggestion
  • I'll tell you what—let's stay in instead.
I told you (so)
(informal)used when something bad has happened, to remind somebody that you warned them about it and they did not listen to you
    kiss and tell
    a way of referring to somebody talking publicly, usually for money, about a past sexual relationship with somebody famous
      a little bird told me
      (informal)used to say that somebody told you something but you do not want to say who it was
        live, etc. to tell the tale
        to survive a difficult or dangerous experience so that you can tell others what really happened
          tell a different story/tale
          to give some information that is different from what you expect or have been told
          • These drugs are widely believed to be effective medications. The data, however, tell a different story.
          tell me
          (informal)used to introduce a question
          • Tell me, have you had lunch yet?
          tell me about it
          (informal)used to say that you understand what somebody is talking about and have had the same experience
          • ‘I get so annoyed with Steve!’ ‘Tell me about it. He drives me crazy.’
          tell me another!
          (informal)used to tell somebody that you do not believe what they have said
            tell its own tale/story
            to explain itself, without needing any further explanation or comment
            • Her face told its own story.
            tell tales (about something/on somebody)
            to tell somebody about something that another person has done wrong
              tell somebody/know a thing or two (about somebody/something)
              (informal)to tell somebody/know some useful, interesting or surprising information about somebody/something
              • After winning several Oscars, Nick Park can tell you a thing or two about making animated films.
              tell the time
              to read the time from a clock, etc.
              • She's only five—she hasn't learnt to tell the time yet.
              tell somebody where to get off/where they can get off
              (British English, informal)to make it clear to somebody that you will no longer accept their bad behaviour
                tell somebody where to put/stick something | tell somebody what they can do with something
                (informal)to make it clear to somebody that you are angry and are rejecting what they are offering you
                  there’s no telling
                  used to say that it is impossible to know what happened or will happen
                  • There's no telling how they'll react.
                  time (alone) will tell | only time will tell
                  (saying)used to say that you will have to wait for some time to find out the result of a situation
                  • Only time will tell if the treatment has been successful.
                  to tell (you) the truth
                  (informal)used when admitting something
                  • To tell the truth, I fell asleep in the middle of her talk.
                  you can never tell | you never can tell
                  (saying)you can never be sure, for example because things are not always what they appear to be
                    you’re telling me!
                    (informal)I completely agree with you

                      Comment ()