When do you use "said" and "told"?

Question

When do you use said and told? Thanks!  –Kei, Philippines

Answer

The Main Difference

Many learners are confused about when to use said – the past tense of the verb say – and told – the past tense of tell, because their meanings are so close. The main meaning of the verb tell is to "speak or write something to someone." The main meaning of say is to "use your voice to express something in words."

The most important tip to remember is that to use the verb tell, the information must be communicated to someone. You can’t just tell something, you have to tell something to someone. This is not true for the verb say. 

Below are some more detailed rules to follow for using these two verbs correctly, with examples.

TELL

Tell is used mainly to share information, and normally only when the receiver of the information is mentioned. Do not use for quotes.

1. Has she told you the good news, yet?
2. Please tell us your name and occupation.
3. Can you tell your story to me? 
4. The police officer told him to stop. [NOT The police offer told him, "Stop."]

One exception to this rule is that the verb tell can be used to describe the sharing of less factual information, such as jokes, stories, and lies, without mentioning a receiver of the information.

1. He loves telling stories.
2. I'm telling the truth. 

SAY

Say is used for exact quotes, and when the receiver isn’t mentioned in the sentence.

1. “Good morning,” said the woman behind the counter.
2. I just stopped by to say hello.
3. I had only said three words before he interrupted me again.

Say is also used to express opinions.

1. I wouldn't say that he's a great guitarist [=I don't think he's a great guitarist].
2. They say that you should drink eight glasses of water a day.

There are other uses of both of these verbs. For more information about say and tell, follow the links below.